//------------------------------// // Chapter 48: Damned Holiday // Story: Shy and Aggressive // by Johng117 //------------------------------// The cold air blew through the Everfree forest. The skies were darker on this morning. Amber was perched on Senior's shoulder out in the cold. The two were looking down at a patch of dirt, where a plank of wood with a few names painted on. "I'm sorry for this, Amber," said Senior in a soft tone. "They did what had to be done to protect the Ark. Besides, they may not be among us here, but they aren't gone," said Amber as she fluttered her slightly torn wings. "These are but vessels. They're home now," said Amber in a soft tone. Senior sighed. "But this is all my fault. We wouldn't have gotten into this situation if not for me giving away our location," said Senior. "No, don't blame yourself. If the Purists were able to discover the location of the lair, we may have lost much more without MONARCH. So, it all worked out," said Amber as she shook and caused her fuzz to become erect. She lightly gasped as she found snowflakes falling from the sky. "It's snowing!" said Amber in awe. Senior looked up and sure enough, found the snowflakes falling from the sky above. He lightly smiled as Amber giggled like a child from the flakes falling on her. Junior was standing at a street corner as he looked through his phone. He had received some text messages from his mother, requesting that he buy some eggnog. Junior sighed as he placed his phone away as he made his way to the store. Junior was currently looking down the aisles of the store. He muttered to himself as he navigated through the store. He then heard his phone ringing in his pocket, prompting him to pull it out. "Hello?" answered Junior. "Hey, sweetie. I got some news for ya!" said Miwa over the other line. "What's that?" asked Junior as he moved through the store until he reached the dairy products. "Your dad is going to be home with us for the holiday! Isn't that great?!" asked Miwa in excitement. "Yeah, that's cool mom," said Junior as he grabbed a couple cartons of eggnog. "Hey... You sound down. Is something wrong?" asked Miwa worriedly over the phone. "It's Christmas!" said Miwa. "It's nothing. But you know I've never gotten hyped over holidays. To me, they're just like any other day," said Junior as he began to make his way over to his phone. "I know. But you use to love Christmas when you were a little boy," said Miwa in disappointment. "That was before I realized how we struggled with finances," said Junior. Miwa went silent for a few seconds. "I just think it was best to stick with simple stuff. Which is why I never really asked for anything for Christmas. I learned to appreciate the little stuff," said Junior with an indifferent tone. "Oh, sweetie..." said Miwa with her tone showing a tinge of guilt. Junior sighed. "I'm not upset, ma," said Junior. "I feel guilty that we haven't been able to have a proper Christmas. I wanna fix that," said Miwa. "Mom, it's fine. Really," said Junior. "No. This is the first Christmas that we get to spend with your father after these years. I want it to be special. Oh, I know! We can have like a little party!" said Miwa. Junior grimaced. "A party, mom?" asked Junior. "Just a little one. We can have Blaire and Cynthia over, a couple of my old friends. You can even invite yours!" said Miwa, her tone more upbeat. Junior sighed. He was hoping that they would be alone on Christmas, so he could just laze about during this cold winter. But his mother seemed so set on making this year special now that his father was going to be present. He couldn't bring himself to rain on her parade. "OK, ma," said Junior as he made his way to the check out. After he hung up and paid for the groceries, Junior proceeded to the exit. "Happy holidays, Takeshi," said a familiar voice. Junior stopped in his tracks and turned and found Inoue to be standing outside of the store, bundled up in a coat, jeans and boots. Junior bore a look of surprise. "Private Inoue," said Junior. "No need for formalities. Come on, I want to bring you somewhere," said Inoue as she nudged Junior in the shoulder. "I should really get home. I have eggnog," said Junior as he raised his bag. "It'll be quick, I promise. I just wanna have some coffee," said Inoue as she began to tug on Junior's shoulder. The Transmutant sighed in reluctance. "Isn't this against some kind of protocol that you guys at MONARCH have?" asked Junior. "Just pretend that you don't know that I'm a soldier assigned to monitoring you," said Inoue with a playful wink. Junior rolled his eyes. "Alright. It gives me a reason to find some place warmer," said Junior as he followed the young woman through the town. He eventually found himself sitting at a little table across from Inoue, sipping from a cup of coffee. "Well, what did you bring me here for?" asked Junior. "I've been keeping tabs on you like I'm supposed to. But lately, I can't help but notice you've been cold to some of those girls, especially the cute small one. What was her name again?" asked Inoue. "You mean Twilight?" deadpanned Junior. "Yeah, her. Why are you giving them the silent treatment? I thought you guys were friends. That was the impression I got during that fiasco at least," said Inoue with a shrug. Junior sighed heavily. "Remember that incident with X? Because of that mistaken identity thing, I was pretty much betrayed by them when they decided to take what they saw at face value and not even give me the benefit of the doubt. And right when they find out that I was innocent, they pretty much just assumed an apology was going to mend what they did. I actually began to like them as friends, but they were quick to toss me out on my ass," said Junior in a bitter tone. "Not to mention I've almost been killed by Purists and my friends and family were also caught in this shit storm partially because of that," said Junior. Inoue sighed as she rubbed her brows. "You gotta let it go," said Inoue. Junior looked at her incredulously. "Excuse me?!" asked Junior. “Sorry for being blunt, but this grudge isn't gonna help you. Some of this stuff has been resolved. The real X is locked up in the Vault, your name is cleared, your friends and family are safe, and the Purists suffered heavily and are now recognized as terrorists.” Junior merely scowled as he looked away. Inoue sighed at this boy's stubborn attitude. "Look, why not just talk to them again? It couldn't hurt. Oh! Why not invite them to that party you and your mom were talking about?" suggested Inoue. Junior looked at her with wide eyes. "Holy shit. Did you guys bug me?" asked Junior as he looked over his clothes. "No, I actually monitored your phone call. Gotta keep tabs on you, always. Even your phone calls," said Inoue. "Jesus Christ! What the hell happened to this country?! Big brother is nosing in on my calls!" said Junior as he placed his phone on the table. "Technically, it was big sister nosing in on you," said Inoue with a smile. Junior merely bore a scowl, which caused Inoue's to falter. "Ah. Sorry, I thought that would sound... Yeah." Inoue cleared her throat. "So yeah. Call Twilight and invite them over!" said Inoue. Junior looked at his phone and then back to Inoue. "But I don't really want to talk to her," said Junior in a neutral tone. Inoue merely gave him a deadpanned look. "Be a man, Gojira. You'll feel better if you do this," said Inoue. Junior grinded his teeth as he growled. "Fiiiiine. I'll fucking invite them," said Junior in exasperation as he picked up his phone. He went through his contacts and found Twilight's name and number. It occurred to him that he never actually deleted the information from his phone. Junior merely shook off the thought and called. After a couple short rings, the phone was answered. "H-Hello?" Twilight quickly spoke. It was as if she immediately lunged for her phone to answer. Junior inhaled through his nostrils deeply. "Hey, Twilight..." said Junior. "Gojira! Ahem. This is a pleasant surprise," said Twilight over the line. "That makes one of us," muttered Junior. "Listen, I was calling to... Erhm.". "Yes?" Twilight asked. Junior gritted his teeth as he struggled to speak. He made small grunts as he struggled to get those words out. But his pride would not let him. "Gojira?" called Twilight. Junior let out a long exhale. "I want to invite you over to my place for Christmas. My family is having a party of sorts. The others are invited too," said Junior in an unenthusiastic tone. "Really?! I-I would love to! Yes! And the others are invited too?! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!" Twilight spoke in an overjoyed tone, much to Junior's annoyance. "Alright, alright. Settle down. Don't get too comfortable because I'm only doing this because Fluttershy is my friend. I know that she would invite you guys over anyway after I ask her over. This is essentially just a package deal, so I won't have to bother with last minute invites," said Junior in annoyance. "Oh. Ok..." said Twilight in a slightly disappointed tone. "Well, thank you anyway. I look forward to this!" said Twilight. "Yeah, yeah. Bye," said Junior as he hung up the phone. He sighed heavily as he put his phone away but found Inoue looking at him in disapproval. "What?" asked Junior in an annoyed tone. "You didn't have to be pessimistic about it," said Inoue. Junior sighed. "I can never please anyone," muttered Junior in annoyance as he got up from the table and left. Discord stared into a large tank in his lab. A large smile was on his face as he stared at the inhabitants in this tank. Before him were small, salmon-like creatures in their infant stage. However, these fish were completely unusual. Their bodies were a bit rotund, and their fins were essentially short, scaly webbed flaps. They bore long tails like a reptile's, their heads bore shorter snouts with mouths full of tiny teeth that crowded over the gums and large amber fish eyes that stared off in their environment. Their dorsal fins were also quite unusual, since they appeared to almost be bony, bearing a jagged appearance. These were the first of their kind. They were the result of crossing the genes of the transformed arm of Gojira Jr. with unfertilized salmon eggs. A whole new species had risen. "Haha!! Success! I can't wait until these babies grow! There's so much to learn!" said Discord as he stared at his creations, which swam in the large tank. He was expecting for them to hatch a little later, but their birth seemed to have accelerated a bit during their gene crossing. He was a God. Discord's eye slightly twitched as he began to chuckle and laugh creepily in his dark lab. His laughs echoed out through his underground lab, heard by the animals that he kept in their cells. Moana the monkey whimpered in her cage as she heard the laughs, as Bruno the human-dog hybrid laid dead in its tank. It was the twilight of Christmas. Junior was currently setting up folding chairs into the living room as he bore a scowl. He found the house to be cluttered with Christmas decorations, from Santa Claus statues, reindeer, wall decorations, Christmas lights, etc. He found the Main Six to be walking about, helping with setting the decorations and helping Miwa cook dinner. Right now, he was looking at Rodan, who sat next to Eliza as he watch Erika set a miniature nativity scene on the shelf. Erika bore a satisfied look. "Great! The scene of our savior's birth is finished!" said Erika. Eliza looked on in fascination as Rodan patted Erika on the shoulder with a nod. "Actually, Christmas is a pagan holiday," said Junior as he caught the three's attention. "And I'm pretty sure Jesus hates you guys for celebrating it," said Junior as he sat a chair down. Rodan sent him a glare. "Hey, no scrooges tonight please!" said Rodan as he pointed a thumb to Eliza, not wanting to be embarrassed by Junior. "Technically, he's right," said Sunset as she walked to Junior's side. "The holiday actually originates from the winter solstice. It didn't have anything to do with the birth of Christ, who actually wasn't born in the winter when we're talking about context of scripture," said Sunset. "It was a holiday where people gave gifts to each other, got drunk, and pretty much had orgies with each other," said Sunset. As she said this, she drew everyone else's attention, who had unnerved looks, while Twilight merely nodded in confirmation. "Damn, way to spoil Christmas, huh?" asked Junior with a chuckle as he nudged Sunset's shoulder, who hid her red face. "I mean shit, I just wanted to bring up a fun fact that not everyone knows about. Not make everyone uncomfortable," said Junior. Sunset sheepishly walked away. Eliza looked down at the ground with flushing cheeks. "No one actually does that anymore. At least I don't think they do," said Erika with a forced smile. "We just use modern Christmas as an excuse to celebrate his birth," said Erika. Junior merely shook his head in amusement as Sunset left with an embarrassed look on his face. He began to make his way into the kitchen, where his mother and Posey were cooking. "You are going to love my casarol, Miwa. We just need..." Posey looked around the counter. She then turned to Junior. "Gojira, dear. Would you mind bringing out some butter?" asked Posey. "Oh. Sure," said Junior as he made his way to the refrigerator, passing Fluttershy as she was helping Pinkie Pie make mini snowmen out of cotton. Fluttershy quickly stopped what she was doing and made her way to Junior's side as he peeked in the refrigerator. "Hey, I'm really glad that you decided to invite them over," said Fluttershy with a warm smile. Junior lightly sighed. "Yeah, sure," said Junior in a somewhat sour tone. Fluttershy still smiled, not catching his tone as Junior didn't invite Twilight and the others over to make peace. It was just to save the trouble of them dropping in anyway due to Fluttershy likely inviting them. He found the butter and took it out, only to hear the doorbell. "Oh. That must be dad," said Junior as he quickly brought the butter over to Posey and made his way to the living room. He opened the front door, finding Senior to be standing on the porch. "Hey son. Merry Christmas," said Senior as he stepped in with a box of oranges in his hands. Junior lightly smiled. "Hey, dad," said Junior. Miwa came by to the door. "Hey honey! Oh! Is that..." Miwa's eyes brightened as she spotted the oranges. "They are. Merry Christmas," said Senior as he handed Miwa the box. The woman giggled like a school girl as she took the oranges. The two shared a quick kiss. "Come inside! It's cold out there!" said Miwa as she led her husband into the house, leaving Junior to shut the door. "Oh. I hope you don't mind. I brought Amber along since she wanted to celebrate Christmas," said Senior as he unzipped his jacket, allowing Amber to peak her head out like a baby kangaroo from its mother's pouch. "Hellooo~!" greeted Amber. "Oh. Sure..." said Junior as he scratched his head. "We're happy to have you over, Amber," said Miwa with a smile. Senior then took the fairy out of his jacket and handed her to Junior. "Here. She's been asking for you," said Senior. "Uh..." Junior held Amber with an unsure look. The fairy merely wiggled out of his grip and flapped over to his shoulder and snuggled against him. Junior sighed as his cheeks warmed up. As his mother and father left him in the living room, the doorbell rang. Junior turned to the door and opened it, finding Mosura to be standing outside beside Battra and Maud. "Merry Christmas, Goji! I hope you don't mind that I brought my brother over," said Mosura. Junior merely smiled. "It's fine," said Junior. He was relieved to know that the two managed to patch things up after the incident with the Purists. Mosura was now back living with Battra. "I uh... I invited Maud over. Is that alright?" asked Battra as he gave a forced smile. Junior nodded. "It's fine. Pinkie is in the kitchen," said Junior as he stepped aside, allowing the three to enter. "Thank you, Gojira," said Maud in her usual monotone voice. As Junior closed the door, he was about to leave but the doorbell rang. He gave an annoyed sigh as he opened the door, finding the Dazzlings. "Merry Christmas!!" said the Dazzlings in unison, though Aria bore an embarrassed look as she spoke half-heartedly. Junior's eyes widened in shock as his face flushed. "Wha-What are you wearing?" asked Junior incredulously. "What? This ol' thing?" asked Adagio in an innocent tone. She was wearing a santa outfit that bore long sleeves but exposed her shoulders. Her breasts were hidden by a one-piece short dress that exposed a portion of her lower thighs and cleavage. The girl also wore white stockings and boots that bore little bells, and a Santa hat. Sonata was wearing something less revealing, much to Junior's relief. She wore a green elf outfit with a pointed hat, fake ears, green and red stripped tights and pointed shoes. Aria, she was wearing just normal clothes. A sweater, scarf, boots, and sweatpants. "We thought we'd dress a little festive for the holiday. What do you think?" asked Adagio as she brushed her hair with her fingers. Junior merely stared as his face reddened. "Couldn't you put something on that was less revealing? Like Sonata?" asked Junior. "Aw what? See something you like?" asked Adagio with a smirk as she held a hand to her hip. Aria was groaning to herself as she pinched the bridge of her nose. Junior gulped as he found his eyes drawn to Adagjo's figure, from thick legs wrapped in white stockings, her luscious hips being hugged by the dress, and the cleavage that was exposed before him. Junior mentally groaned in anguish as he grew hot. "Uh... I like how your hair looks. You look good with it down," said Junior as he focused on Adagio's hair to get his mind off her body. Of course, her hair was down, lacking the head band that she always wore. Her long, wavy and curly hair hanged by her shoulders and back, which Junior did have to admit looked gorgeous. Adagio bore a slight look of disappointment but then felt her hair. She then cleared her throat as she bore an annoyed look and a light blush. "Ah. You're being no fun," said Adagio. Aria looked to Junior with a pleading look as her cheeks were red. "Can we please come inside now? I'm afraid to be seen outside with these idiots like this," said Aria. Junior stepped aside and allowed the sisters to step in. "Is Aang here?" asked Sonata with an eager look. "He'll be here soon," said Junior as he closed the door. He then sighed heavily. "Ooh. I can sense your hormones acting up. You should court the curly haired one to help with that," said Amber. Junior's eyes widened as his face flushed brightly. "Shut up before I throw you out into the cold!" whispered Junior in a hiss. Amber merely laughed in amusement. Junior groaned. "Why do women suddenly like to tease me?" asked Junior in dismay. He then heard another ring at the doorbell. "And of course," said Junior as he opened the door. Outside he found Angirasu standing next to his mother. "Hey, Goji," greeted Angirasu with a smile. "Hey..." greeted Junior with a smile. "You alright?" asked Angirasu. "Just tired," said Junior. He then noticed that his mother was beside him. "Oh. You invited your mom," said Junior. "You don't mind, do you? I mean, we don't really-" Angirasu bore a worried look. "It's fine," said Junior with a sigh. Aiko pointed to Junior's shoulder with a slight unnerved look. "Um... There's a bug on you," said Aiko. "She's the family pet," said Junior in a sarcastic manner. "Hey!" said Amber in offense. Aiko's eyes widened as Amber spoke. "I-It talked!" said Aiko in shock. "Yeah, she does that. Come on in," said Junior as he allowed the two to enter. Angirasu was tugging his mother along as she looked back. "Are we not going to discuss this? Why are you all so calm about this?" asked Aiko. Angirasu leaned close to Junior. "Just a heads up, my mother is armed," whispered Angirasu. Junior's eyes widened. "Wait, what? Armed?" asked Junior as the two made their way into the living room. The doorbell rang again, causing Junior to groan. "There's already too many people here! Who the hell-" Junior opened the door. His eyes widened in shock as he found Thorn, Zip, the other spider Transmutant teen girls, Manda, Kumonga, Baragon and a couple of unfamiliar Transmutants. "Sup, kid," said Baragon. Manda waved to Junior with a sisterly smile. "Hi Junior~!" greeted Manda. "Wha... What are you guys doing here?!" asked Junior incredulously. "It's Christmas! It's a time where friends and family gather to be merry and jolly!" said Zip. "I know it's Christmas! I'm asking why you guys are here!" said Junior. "Oh. Well, we consider your dad family. So, some of us thought we'd spend the holiday with you, lil bro!" said Manda as she made her way over to Junior and wrapped him into a tight hug. Amber quickly fluttered away from the two. Junior groaned as he struggled to breathe. "We brought snacks and drinks," said Kumonga as she and the teens held up plastic bags with a smile. Junior pulled away from Manda with a large gasp. "Fine. Just set them in the kitchen," said Junior as he tried to catch his breath. The Guardians began to make their way into the house, leaving Junior to shut the door. He groaned. "This was a terrible idea!" said Junior. Another doorbell rang, causing Junior to growl as he opened the door. He then narrowed his eyes. "You..." growled Junior. On the porch he found Inoue to be standing next to Koizumi. "Hey, punk! Yeah, you know how we we're supposed to monitor you? Well, it's freezing out in the van and it’s hard to keep track of you and your dad with the house so crowded. You mind if we come in?" asked Koizumi. Inoue held a hand against her face as she sighed. "Not at all! That would be dandy!" said Junior in a sarcastic tone. "Come right in! My house is your house! People are turning up every second, so feel free to crash in like It's a five-star hotel!" said Junior in a sarcastic manner. Koizumi merely smiled as he stepped in. "Don't mind if I do," said Koizumi. Inoue made her over to Junior with a nervous smile, able to see through Junior's facade. "I'm sorry for the intrusion," said Inoue. "Man, there's a lot of people here," said Inoue in surprise. Junior glared at her. "I blame you for this," said Junior. Inoue recoiled. "Wha- Me?! Hey, I just suggested you invite the girls! Not everyone you knew!" said Inoue. Junior groaned. "It wasn't supposed to be like this," moaned Junior. "Hey, come on. Let's just enjoy the holiday," said Inoue as she and Junior made their way out to the living room, finding Aiko to be standing next to her son with narrowed eyes. Junior stiffened as he found her staring down with his father and a couple of the Guardians and Miwa. "Ah shit. I just realized Aang's mom doesn't know about my dad's group," said Junior as he quickly made his way over to living room. "Uh oh!" said Inoue as she followed Junior. "So... You're the rogue that Onyx was so concerned about," said Aiko. Angirasu was sweating bullets as he stood next to his mother. "I am," answered Senior, while Kumonga and Baragon stood with narrowed eyes. Tension filled the area. "I wasn't aware you and your rogues were out and about in public," said Aiko in a cold tone. "Just spending the holiday with my family, Mrs. Riku," replied Senior, as calm as can be. "Moooom," whispered Angirasu with a forced smile. Junior immediately came in between the two with Inoue. "Dad! Uh... I see you met my friend's mother," said Junior with a forced chuckle. "Yes. I wasn't aware that she was a soldier for MONARCH," said Senior in a neutral tone. "I don't often hear about units having spouses or children that are Transmutants. Normally they wouldn't enlist because of the fact," said Senior. "I was part of Neighpon's self-defense force before. I enlisted so I could earn citizenship in Equestria for my son. Neighpon isn't the most accepting of Transmutants," said Aiko. The woman then placed a hand on her hip. "Which reminds me..." Aiko had her hand dangerously close to the holster on her hip, hidden by her jacket. "Lieutenant!" called Inoue urgently, though her voice faltered once Aiko leveled a glare at her. "Um..." Inoue was interrupted as Koizumi chuckled as he wrapped an arm around Aiko and patted her shoulder. "Lighten up, Lieutenant! It's fucking Christmas! You know, booze and gifts, baby Jesus and shit!" said Koizumi. "I would like to know why the hell you two are here, blowing your cover!" said Aiko with a glare as she shoved the mercenary off of her. "Nah. Nah. It's cool. They all know already, and we killed buncha Purists together," said Koizumi with a chuckle. "We- We blew up a monster! It was awesome! They turned into dinosaurs!" said Koizumi. "What's wrong with him?" asked Manda in confusion. "He's a little buzzed..." said Inoue with a cough. "But... We don't have alcohol," said Junior. His eyes widened as he found Kumonga passing Baragon a flask as she carried a plastic bag. She then shrugged as she found eyes on her. "What?" asked Kumonga. Koizumi sniffed as he held up a flask. "This is some hard shit," said Koizumi with a chuckle as he waddled off. "So, are we cool?" asked Baragon in annoyance. Aiko merely narrowed her eyes. "Ma'am, in case you don't remember, the rogues in this town are to be monitored and are not threats until they commit terroristic actions. As stated by acting Director Yoshi," said Inoue. She then made a small shuffle in her step with a forced smile. "After all. It's Christmaaaas~," said Inoue with a singing tone. Aiko held her hands in her jacket pockets. "Thank you for having us over, Mr. Takeshi," said Aiko as she began to walk off. Angirasu sighed heavily in relief. "Dude, your mom is scary," said Junior as he looked to Angirasu. "Yep..." said Angirasu. Suddenly, Christmas music began to play over a stereo, prompting everyone to turn and find Pinkie dressed in red stockings and a large red sweater with an image of a Christmas tree on it. "Merry Christmas everybody! We're gonna have a good time tonight!" said Pinkie. Junior sighed heavily. Junior was sitting on the bed in room as his home was crowded with guests. Some of the teens were playing games or talking while the adults talked, ate, drank or watched television. Junior just wanted to take a moment of peace and as much quiet as he could in his fortress of solitude. He sighed as he lied on his bed, taking in as much quiet and solitude as he could before people started asking for him. He then heard a knock on his wall, prompting him to look, finding Adagio Dazzle to be standing at his doorway with a smile on his face. "Hey Goji," greeted Adagio. "Hey, Ada," said Junior as he lied his head back. Adagio stepped into his room and closed his door, muffling the sounds from outside. "Whatcha doing in your room by yourself when everyone is out there?" asked Adagio as she sat at the edge of the bed next to Junior. "It's too crowded and noisy. I wanted to take a minute for myself," answered Junior. Adagio smiled in amusement. "Odd. This is nothing to me compared to being on stages in front of hundreds of people," said Adagio. Junior groaned. "Sounds like Hell. Everyone screaming at the top of their lungs in a crowded building," said Junior. "It's Heaven for me," said Adagio as she stretched. She sighed as she lied back on Junior's bed, with her head resting on his belly. Junior's heart jumped in his chest at the physical contact. "But I guess some alone time in a quiet room is nice too," said Adagio. "Uh huh..." muttered Junior. Adagio turned to face the Transmutant as her cheek rested on his belly, giving him a sultry look. "You know, Christmas is a time of giving. You know what I want?" asked Adagio as she gently ran a finger over Junior's chest, causing the Transmutant to gulp. "I'm afraid to ask," said Junior in a nervous tone. "I don't want much. But I wouldn't mind exchanging 'gifts' with you~. Is there something that you want from Ms. Claus?" asked Adagio with a wink. Junior sighed as he sat up, prompting Adagio to rise up, surprised to find an annoyed look on his face. "What's your deal? Do you just enjoy teasing me?" asked Junior. "Wha- What's wrong? I thought you didn't care," said Adagio in confusion. "I do when I can't tell whether a girl is trying to make advances on me or is just trying to screw with me. It makes me uncomfortable!" said Junior. Adagio bore an offended but also a small look of hurt. "Wha- Why? Am I ugly to you? Is that it?" asked Adagio. Junior's eyes widened in alarm as he found the girl's expression. "Far from it! I just... Look, I have a hard time getting these animal instincts under control sometimes. Because I don't have an inhibitor chip, I'm starting to experience these hormones when I get... Excited," said Junior as he looked away with flushing cheeks and shame. Adagio raised her brows in response. "Because I never got a full grip on these instincts as a Transmutant unlike my dad, I don't act with normal human behavior when I experience these high levels of emotion," said Junior as he avoided eye contact with Adagio. "I don't... I don't want to lose control of myself when you tease me," said Junior. "It's OK," said Adagio in a nonchalant tone. Junior's eyes widened in shock as he found the girl looking at him with a smile. "I don't mind at all, if it's you," said Adagio. Junior bore a dumbfounded look. "I... Huh?!" Junior gasped as Adagio scooted close to him with her nose touching his. "I know I'm irresistible. In fact, I think it's flattering that you're being so chivalrous," said Adagio as she wrapped her arms behind Junior's neck, much to his shock. He suddenly felt the girl pull him down onto the bed. His eyes were wide and his face was flushed as he found himself pinning the girl to the bed. Her leg was in between his own. "You could pin me down onto your bed like this right now and I wouldn't mind," said Adagio in a sultry tone. Junior was breathing heavily as his heart raced, feeling the girl under him as he took in her lovely scent. She rubbed his cheek and bare arm as she smiled mischievously. "You could do whatever you want~," said Adagio as she rubbed her stocking leg. "I-I uh..." Junior stuttered as the girl smirked. The door suddenly opened. Erika walked in. "Gojira, your mom wanted to know..." Erika trailed off as she found the two teens on the bed. Her eyes widened, and her cheeks flushed. Junior stiffened. He quickly removed Adagio's hand from his neck and arm and sat up on the bed. "Erika! Th-This isn't- We weren't-" Junior stuttered as he sweat. Erika cleared her throat. "Your mom wanted me to tell you that she wanted you to run to the store for some more eggnog," said Erika as she brushed some strands of hair away from her face with an embarrassed look. "Anyway, sorry for the intrusion," said Erika as she quickly left the room and closed the door. "No, Erika!" cried Junior. He groaned in misery. He then looked to Adagio in annoyance. "Thanks to you, Erika has the wrong idea," said Junior. Adagio rolled her eyes as she brought her knees to herself. "Whatever. You know you liked it. I even felt it on my leg," said Adagio with a smirk and slightly pink cheeks. Junior brought his shirt down over his lap with his face red as a cherry. "Th-That was my phone!" said Junior. "Hm. That's a big phone," said Adagio with a wink. Junior looked away as he felt himself burning up like a nuclear reactor on meltdown. "First you sneak a grope on my thigh and now this. I knew my legs were your weakness," said Adagio with a chuckle. "A-Anyway, I have to go to the store," said Junior as he stood up. "Hey," called Adagio. Junior turned. "What n-" Junior felt himself pulled slightly down by the collar of his shirt towards Adagio. The girl planted a kiss on his cheek that made a loud smooch. Junior's eyes were wide as the girl released him. "Just a little something for the holiday, my hero," said Adagio as she winked at him. Junior was stunned as the girl released him and walked to his door, swinging her hips in a hypnotic way. "By the way, don't get too excited. We aren't together. That was your Christmas gift," chuckled Adagio as she left the room. Junior merely stood in his room with red cheeks as he felt where the kiss was planted. His heart pounded. "I... I don't know how to process this," said Junior. He then groaned as he hit his head. "Get your shit together! I need to go to the store!" said Junior as he rushed out to the hall with his sweater on. He made his way to the living room and walked out the door. "Goji, wait!" called Fluttershy as she rushed out of the house as she slipped on her winter gloves on and wrapped her scarf on. "You're going to the store, right? I'll come along," said Fluttershy. Junior nodded. "S-Sure, let's go," said Junior. He hoped that Erika hadn't mentioned what she saw. This situation was stressing him out. Meanwhile in the house, Adagio took a seat next to Zip as she rubbed her shoulder. "Hey, beautiful. Have you been naughty or nice this year?" asked Adagio with a sultry look. Zip gulped as she bore an uncomfortable look. Thorn sighed. "Damn this girl is thirsty," muttered Thorn. Junior found himself walking along Fluttershy in the cold evening. Christmas lights glowed, and snow fell from the sky, covering the streets and sidewalks. Every breath the two took was visible as it came from them like smoke. Junior bore a look of discomfort as he walked alongside the girl, whose cheeks were red from blood that was running during this cold weather. The girl looked rather cute, with a white beanie overhead, ear muffs, and her torso and neck bundled up in a scarf and a light green sweater. She looked rather cozy as the small fury critters that she was always fond of. During their walk to the store, Junior couldn't help but worry about Erika and what she thought she saw. She might say something that could get his friends to look at him in a negative light for trying to make a pass on Adagio on Christmas Eve. He even feared Fluttershy getting the wrong idea. The girl looked his way. "Hey," called Fluttershy. Junior flinched with a nervous look. "Er... Yes?" asked Junior as the two walked. "Is something the matter? You seem antsy," said Fluttershy as she looked at her friend in concern. "No. I'm fine. Just glad to be out of the house. It's crowded," said Junior with a nervous chuckle. The girl bore an unconvinced look on her face. But she shrugged. "Speaking of which, I'm enjoying the party so far," said Fluttershy with a smile. "Oh. That's good," said Junior as he relaxed. The girl took a breath as her cheeks flushed. "It's pretty cold, wouldn't you agree?" asked Fluttershy. "Well, I give off more heat than most during the winter. It actually feels kinda nice right now," said Junior. He then glanced at the girl worriedly. "Are you getting too cold?" asked Junior. "N-No, I'm fine. I just... Um," Fluttershy stopped walking as she twiddled her thumbs. Junior stopped as he raised a brow. Then, he felt dread creeping up. 'Ah shit! Does she know?!' thought Junior, fearful that Erika may have said something after all. But then he noticed Fluttershy avoiding eye contact with him as she bore a shy smile on her face. "I... I..." Fluttershy sighed in frustration as she reached into her sweater and pulled out a present that was wrapped up. "I wanted to wait until later tonight. Th-This is from me," said Fluttershy as she held out the gift with her face flushing hot. Junior bore a look of surprise. He took the gift into his hands. Given the shape and softness of the gift, Junior assumed that it might have been some type of clothing. "I... I don't know what to say. You didn't have to," said Junior. "I wanted to," said Fluttershy with a warm smile. Junior lightly smiled in response. "Is it alright if I open it?" asked Junior. Fluttershy nodded. The Transmutant began to tear the wrapping paper, dropping them into a nearby trash can by a building. Soon, he found himself holding a scarf, which was dark in color. But it bore light blue patterns on it. "I made it myself," said Fluttershy as she held her hands behind her back. Junior looked at her in surprise. "You?" asked Junior. "Mm hmm. Sewing is a hobby of mine," said Fluttershy with a small laugh. She then looked to Junior with hopeful eyes. "Do you like it?" asked Fluttershy. "I love it," said Junior with a warm smile. Fluttershy's heart leaped in her chest at his answer. Her smile brightened. "I kinda feel bad though. I didn't get you anything," said Junior with a sigh. Fluttershy approached him with a smile. "It's alright. But if you want to give me something, would you mind being my hero again sometime?" asked Fluttershy. Junior felt his cheeks warm up. He then lightly chuckled as he ruffled the side of Fluttershy's head, where her hair was exposed. "Sure," said Junior. Fluttershy gave a suppressed giggle. She then took the scarf from Junior's hand and gestured for him to lower himself to her level. Junior slightly bent down, allowing the girl to wrap the scarf around his neck. Fluttershy smiled in satisfaction at the scarf, but lightly gasped as she realized that she and Junior were staring face to face. The girl quickly backed away with an embarrassed look. "W-We should hurry and get to the store!" said Fluttershy as she quickly began to walk. As she took another step, Fluttershy slipped on a patch of wet ice, causing her to yelp as she began to fall. Before she could, Junior quickly caught her hand and held the girl as she clung to his waist. Her heart racing from the slip. Junior gently raised the girl up to her feet as she still clung to him. "Are you alright?" asked Junior in worry. Fluttershy's heart pounded in her chest as she stared into his firm, caring amber eyes. His hand was firmly holding her hand as she had one of her arms wrapped tightly around his back. Fluttershy meekly nodded. Junior bore an amused look. "Heroic enough for ya?" asked Junior. Fluttershy began to giggle in response. The two shared a short laugh together. Sonata was standing by her sisters as Blaire and Cynthia stood before them in the Takeshi house hold. Cynthia bore a star struck look as she shook with excitement. "Oh my God! Oh my God! I can't believe that I'm meeting you three! And I can't believe Gojira knows you!" said Cynthia with a fan girlish squeal. Sonata merely bore a bright smile along with Adagio, while Aria bore a somewhat small smile. While she preferred to keep a low profile on her fame, she didn't mind it being a little kid. "Well you are just adorable! Probably the cutest of our younger fans!" said Adagio as she slightly knelt to Cynthia's level, who smiled in flattery. "I'm still surprised that there are some pop stars in our town," said Blaire. "We're living with our aunt out here for a while to finish school," said Sonata. Blaire nodded in approval. "That's good," said Blaire. "So cool! Not only are you beautiful and talented, but smart!" said Cynthia in awe. Aria snorted. "Some of us are smart at least," muttered Aria. Sonata sent her a glare of offense. She then noticed Angirasu to be standing by the hall as he spoke to Rodan, Mosura and Eliza. She felt her heart flutter in her chest. The girl cleared her throat. "Um... I'll be right back," said Sonata as she left the group. Cynthia bore a curious look as Adagio smirked. Sonata made her way to Angirasu's side and tapped his shoulder, drawing his attention. "Hey!" greeted Sonata with a smile. Angirasu warmly smiled at her in response. "Hey, Sonata. That's a nice outfit you have on," said Angirasu. Sonata giggled in flattery as she placed her hands on her hips as she did a pose. "Like it? I thought it'd be fun to dress up for the holiday," said Sonata. Rodan cleared his throat. "Well, I think there's a great Christmas movie playing. Come on 'Liza. Let's check it out!" said Rodan as he began to walk the girl with himself, who bore a confused look. "Oh OK," said Eliza. Mosura gasped. "Oh! I forgot that I was supposed to uh... Check on something!" said Mosura as she left Angirasu and Sonata alone. "Hmm." hummed Angirasu in curiosity. Sonata smiled to herself, thankful that her friends were giving her a chance to be alone with Angirasu. "Um... So, Angirasu..." called Sonata, drawing the boy's attention. Sonata held her pony tail over her shoulder and lightly stroked it as she bore a shy smile. "I... I wanted to ask if you wanted to hang out again. Just the two of us? We could go ice skating or something," said Sonata. Angirasu looked away as he bore a small look of regret. Sonata began to worry. "Angirasu?" called Sonata. "Sonata... I... I would like to. But you see..." Angirasu scratched his head with a sigh. "My mother... She doesn't really want us hanging out," said Angirasu as he looked at the girl. Sonata bore a puzzled look that looked like it was about to break down in panic and despair. "I-I don't get it. Why not? I thought..." Sonata's lip quivered. "Did I do something wrong?" "She has recollection about what happened during the showcase. My mom is just kind of the paranoid type," said Angirasu. Sonata looked down in disappointment. "Hey, this doesn't mean that we're not friends anymore. We just... Can't hang out alone like we did again. You understand, right?" asked Angirasu with a worried look. Sonata nodded as she looked to Angirasu with a small smile. "Yeah, I understand," said Sonata. Angirasu sighed in relief. He was afraid that the girl was going to take this harder. But that wasn't the case, much to his relief. It was harder for him to turn her down. "Hey, I'm going to grab a soda. You want one?" asked Angirasu. Sonata nodded. "Sure," said Sonata. As Angirasu left, Sonata lost her smile. Her expression slightly hardened as she looked off to the kitchen, where Aiko was sitting with Miwa, Posey, Baragon and Manda. "Hmph. This means war, Mrs. Riku," said Sonata to herself. Meanwhile, Angirasu was grabbing a couple of soda cans. Aiko looked his way. "Did you tell her?" asked Aiko. Angirasu sighed. "Yes..." answered Angirasu in a small tone. Aiko nodded. "OK. I just don't want you-" Aiko was interrupted as her son glared at her. "Mom, she's a nice girl!" said Angirasu. "It's what happened at the showcase is what concerns me," said Aiko. Angirasu scoffed as he made his way over to the table. "What happened?" asked Miwa in confusion. "During the musical showcase at their school, those pop stars were up next. But when they started singing... I don't know. It felt like I wasn't in control of my actions. I couldn't move or speak unless told to. I know how it sounds, but I'm serious. No one was even aware what happened, but we all knew that something wasn't right. Like we blanked out of mind," said Aiko as she held her head. Posey and Miwa looked at her in confusion. "That's why I don't want you hanging out with that girl, Angirasu. I'm not comfortable with her or her sisters," said Aiko. "But..." Angirasu was about to make an argument but Manda waved her hand. "Hey, don't blame the girls. It wasn't really their fault. Remember Amber?" asked Manda. Aiko looked to the living room and found Blaire and Cynthia staring at the fairy in fascination as Senior introduced them. "The bug?" asked Aiko with an unnerved look. "Yeah. She's supernatural. You see, your son joined our group the Guardians to protect the Ark, which the Purists attacked us for. The Ark-" "Wait, what?!" asked Aiko in alarm. Baragon groaned as he face palmed and Angirasu bore a panicked look. Manda bore a look of confusion. "What? What's wrong?" asked Manda. Aiko was glaring at her. "What exactly do you mean that my son 'joined' your group?" demanded Aiko. Manda slumped her shoulders. "Oooh." Manda bore a look of discomfort. "Goddammit, Manda," said Baragon as he buried his face into his palm. Aiko then narrowed her eyes as she looked to her son. "Is there something you want to tell me?" asked Aiko. Angirasu bit his lip as he stood nervously. "I uh..." "Hey, it's not what you think. He doesn't actually-" Manda was interrupted as Aiko glared at her. "I am not asking you!" said Aiko, causing Manda to flinch. Angirasu groaned as He began to stomp off. "Wha- Angirasu! Get back here!" shouted Aiko, drawing some people's attention. Angirasu ignored her and walked out the front door. Aiko groaned as she got out of her seat and made her way over to the front door. Manda, Miwa and Posey bore worried looks as Baragon bore a deadpanned look. "Good going, Manda," said Baragon. Manda moaned in worry. Outside on the porch, Angirasu stood outside in the cold with his arms crossed. His mother had just stepped outside and closed the door. "What the hell are you thinking?! You joined a gang of rogue Transmutants?! Ones that were led by Takeshi?!" demanded Aiko. "Mom-" "How could you do something so stupid and irresponsible?! I thought I raised you better than this!" said Aiko as she made her way over to her son. Angirasu hardened his expression as his mother berated him. "Angirasu, answer me!" said Aiko as she grabbed her son's shoulder. Angirasu pulled away with an angry look. "What the hell do you care?! You never bothered with me after dad died!" yelled Angirasu. Aiko narrowed her eyes. "You- Don't you talk to me like that!" said Aiko. "Why? Because it's the truth?!" demanded Angirasu. "Because I am your mother!" said Aiko. "Then why were gone you those past seven years?!" yelled Angirasu. Aiko was taken aback. Angirasu looked at her with an angry glare. "You think you can just dump me at my aunt and uncle's and come back trying to say you’re sorry while trying to control me?" asked Angirasu. "Yeah, I'm friends with a delinquent, whose father founded the Revolutionaries. I've gotten into my share of fights. I want to hang out with someone you don't like. And I joined a group of rogue Transmutants!" yelled Angirasu. His mother was silent as he poured out his anger. "You may not approve, but honestly I don't care. You know why? Because they don't make me afraid to be a Transmutant! They may live in hiding, but at least they live feeling like goddamn human beings! Something you never taught me!" said Angirasu. Aiko's eyes widened. "All you did was teach me how to fear doing wrong and not respect doing right. Then you left after dad died," said Angirasu in a low tone. Aiko stood still and quiet as her eyes were wide. "I thought we could patch things up when you came back. But apparently, I'm not the upstanding citizen you wanted," said Angirasu. Aiko slowly shook her head. "That's not true. You're more than that," said Aiko in a soft tone. Angirasu merely glared at her. He then turned and began to walk away. "I'm going home," said Angirasu. "Angirasu!" called Aiko. But her son didn't listen. The woman stood as she watched her son leave. "Son, come back. Please," said Aiko, her voice growing distraught. Angirasu kept walking as his eyes ran with tears as he bore an angry look. Coming his way were Junior and Fluttershy, who carried bags filled with eggnog. "Aang? What are you doing out here?" asked Junior in confusion. "I'm going home. Thanks for the invite," said Angirasu as he left. Junior and Fluttershy watched as he left. Fluttershy's eyes were wide. "He was crying," said Fluttershy. Junior looked at her in surprise. He then looked down the sidewalk and found Aiko to be standing ahead. The two made their way over to the woman as she stood with her head lowered. "Mrs. Riku?" called Fluttershy. Aiko was silent. Junior and Fluttershy glanced at each other. "Let's go inside, Mrs. Riku," said Junior. "No. I-I..." Aiko stuttered. She took a breath. "Thank you for inviting us over," said Aiko as she adjusted her jacket and proceeded to walk away. "M-Mrs. Riku!" called Fluttershy, but the woman ignored the girl. Aiko continued down the sidewalk in silence with her hands in her pockets, as snow fell. Junior sighed as Fluttershy deeply frowned. Both were worried for what had happened between Angirasu and Aiko, and were unable to get answers. "Let's... Head inside," said Junior. Fluttershy nodded with a small sigh. "Right," said Fluttershy as the two began to walk to the house. Suddenly, the lights from the house died down. The two looked at the house in confusion as they heard frantic voices inside. "What the hell?" Junior bore a look of confusion. "The whole neighborhood went out!" said Fluttershy. Sure enough, the two found that lights from the houses and lampposts were off. The door opened, revealing Senior, Miwa and Baragon to be stepping out. "Junior. What happened?" asked Miwa. "We don't know. The power is out in the entire neighborhood," said Junior. Fluttershy suddenly sneezed. "Oh. Excu- Achoo!" Fluttershy sneezed again. She began to sneeze a couple of more times, as her nose grew red. Junior felt his throat burn and clench, causing him to grunt. Miwa began to cough as she held her throat. "Ugh. Wha..." Senior coughed roughly, while Manda sneezed a few times. From within the house, people began to cough, sneeze, or complain about burning or aching throats. Baragon's eyes widened. "What the fuck? Look at the sky!" said Baragon as he pointed to the night sky. Everyone outside looked to the sky and were shocked to find that a green aurora was present. It looked to be mixing with what appeared to be an amoeba that was big enough to cover the sky. Everyone stared in shock as the light shone down to the earth. Outside of this transparent membrane, what was left of the sky had begun to turn red. "Oh my gosh," said Fluttershy in shock as she coughed. From within the house, everyone was staring through the windows in shock. as they coughed. Rodan stood close to Eliza as he stared with wide eyes, still coughing. He took her hand and held it firmly, but Eliza held no sign of fear on her face. It was completely neutral as she stared at the bizarre sight, not coughing nor sneezing. After a few seconds, the amoeba-like membrane disappeared along with the aurora lights. The sky returned to normal, with the moon shining its white light. Everyone stopped coughing and sneezing. The irritation to their senses had subsided. "What the hell was that?" asked Junior with an unnerved look. Senior looked to Amber on his shoulder. "Amber, what was that? Was it the Spirit Gem?" asked Senior in worry. "No. This was something completely unrelated," said Amber in a grim tone.