CHRISTMAS MIRACLE

by Tsuzuki Asato

Note:I don't own Kanon or anything from it. This takes place a year after Kanon ends and a make-up for the major disappointment for Makoto's fans in the episode 10.

A year has passed and everything was like the way it was when I left seven years ago.

Ayu's now living with us and nothing much has changed. It was now our school's Christmas vacation and everyone's already planning where to spend the break.

As for me, I'm staying here with my cousin, Nayuki for the break.

Everyone's here with me, but I can't help thinking of the person who vanished from our lives and were going to celebrate the Holidays without her.

Snow was now falling. And in this snow, lies a sleeping miracle. And I pray, that the sleeping miracle will awaken this Christmas Eve.

Light was already penetrating through the curtains of my window. I pulled the blanket over my head to hide myself from the light.

I then felt someone waking me up and saying "Yuuichi-kun, wake up."

I lazily pulled the blanket off my head and I saw Ayu smiling at me.

"Ohayou, Yuuichi-kun." she greeted.

I smiled in return and said "Ohayou, Ayu."

It was great to see Ayu here with us. Ayu always woke me up when I was not in the mood to get up early. But for once, it was okay to oversleep since we had no school.

I then heard someone knock at my door. We then turned to see Nayuki standing there in here sleeping clothes.

"Yuuichi. It's time to eat." she said.

Ayu then looked at me and I knew what she wanted to say.

"Okay, you guys go on ahead. I'll follow after a few minutes." I said.

Ayu then stood up and followed Nayuki's lead. I was already going downstairs when I saw a faint yellow glint on my table. I came closer and looked at the object.

I gave a sad stare when I knew what it was. I then walked downstairs to eat to try and discard the thought.

As I ate, I was having a hard time trying to discard the sad thoughts. But at least no one noticed---

"Yuuichi-san?"

--until now.

Akiko-san snapped me back to reality and then I turned and said "Hai?"

"Yuuichi-san, could you run an errand for me?" she asked.

"Hai." I answered.

Akiko-san then handed me a list of things and said "Could you buy these for me? I need them for this coming Christmas. Is it alright with you?"

I nodded my head in answer.

After eating, I got my jacket and walked to the door.

"Yuuichi-kun, can I come along?" Ayu asked.

"Sure. We can buy some taiyaki on the way home." I said.

Ayu's eyes brightened with glee and rushed upstairs to get a jacket. It was fun to see Ayu happy and excited. I then called at the back and said "Nayuki! Want to come with us?"

"Iie, I have to help okasan with some things over here." she replied.

I silently nodded and I called out to Ayu and said "Ayu, let's go!"

After a while, Ayu and I walked outside towards the city. As we passed by, I saw the snow covered everything in a thick white blanket. As we walked on, I noticed Ayu holding my hand. She smiled warmly at me and I smiled at her in reply.

As we reached the city, we went to a mall and bought the stuff Akiko-san sent us to buy. I began to notice that most of what we bought was food. It was still early when Ayu and I finished, so we wandered around for a while.

As we kept on walking Ayu tugged my sleeve and pointed towards a taiyaki store. I smiled and both of us bought a bag, which Ayu looked with delight.

We sat by a bench and as I handed her the taiyaki, I said "Here Ayu, fresh from the oven."

Ayu looked so excited like a little kid as she ate. I missed that smile of hers and everything about her. I then looked at the groceries and thought aloud "Why do you think Akiko-san wanted us to buy a lot of food?"

Ayu was too busy enjoying what she was eating, so I didn't bother getting an answer. I just watched her as she ate happily.

We got back home around three o'clock and as we go there, Nayuki was waiting for us at the front door. She then waved at us and Ayu ran ahead of me. When I was left to myself for a few moments, the sad thoughts came back.

There was one other person who loved waiting for us to come back home. Why? because she hates being all alone. I took so many things she did around us for granted.

Both happy and irritating things. But she was like a child, both lovable and full of mischief. And now, I'll never see her again.

I felt like a few minutes walk was like a more than an hour. When I got inside, I was surprised to find the house was decorated with stars, lights, wreaths, mistletoes on top of the doorstep and the tree was almost completed with decorations.

The sad thoughts vanished again and I was surprised. Nayuki was running around with some things and I asked "Nayuki. Did you and Akiko-san do this?!"

"Hai." she said.

I felt like my jaw hit the floor. I never thought they could do the decorating in such a short time. The house was half decorated, but still colorful none the less.

I then bought the stuff Akiko-san told me to the kitchen. After that, I proceeded to my room upstairs and removed my coat. I then turned my sight towards a small pair of bells. I held them in my hand and stared at it. I could hear Ayu and Nayuki helping each other with Akiko-san downstairs.

I closed the door of my room, letting the silence sink in. I then sat on my bed and stared at the small bells I was holding. No matter how much I deny it, it's pointless.

I miss you...

Later, by suppertime I then asked Akiko-san as to why Ayu and I bought so much food.

Akiko-san said "Nayuki said she wanted to invite your friends over here for Christmas."

"EH!?"I answered.

Nayuki nodded and said "Christmas is just a few days away. So I thought of inviting our friends to the party."

I stiffled a laugh and said "You know the old saying: The more, the merrier."

Everyone at the table laughed in agreement. But even if I seemed I was laughing, I knew I was lying to everyone.

The following day, Nayuki and I made the invitations. Since their house was small, we can only invite a few people.

Nayuki and I invited our closest friends: Shiori and Kaori, Mai, Sayuri, Kitagawa and Amano.

But when I think about it, we're one person short. No matter how much I convince myself, it's useless.

She'll never come.

When the invitations were done, Nayuki and I separated to give the invitations.

I contacted Sayuri and Mai first. And thank goodness they haven't left the country yet.

I went to their houses and they said they'll come.

I sighed a relief and now I had one invitation left.

Amano's invitation.

Then suddenly, something hit me.

I was such a dummy that I have practically no idea as to where she lives.

Way to go, Aizawa. You really blew it this time.

I ran around the city, asking as to where Amano lives.

And I ended up with nothing. That afternoon, I gave up and decided to go home.

As I walked home, I felt like lead weights were fastened to my legs. I looked up and saw Ayu waiting for me.

I then saw Ayu walk towards me. Did she notice? I better make a good excuse for this.

"Yuuichi-kun, daijobou?" she asked.

I smiled weakly and lied by saying that I was tired because I was looking for Amano's place.

"Tadaima." I said in a low voice.

"Yuuichi. What happened to you?" Nayuki asked.

"You don't want to know." I answered.

"Oh yeah. How was your end?" I asked.

"Shiori and Kaori said they'll come over. Kitagawa-kun too." Nayuki said.

"I invited two students who just recently graduated. And they said they'll come here too." I replied back.

"But, who's the last one left?" Nayuki asked.

I lowered my head and said "One who knew Makoto very well."

Nayuki felt a part of her wanted to back off from the answer.

"Her name is Amano Mishio. A person who also went through the same thing we went through when Makoto died." I answered.

Nayuki fell silent. I really did it. I gave it all away.

Wanting a quick escape, I said "I'll be going upstairs." before I make matters any worse when they already have.

The following day, I made an excuse to go out by saying that I'll try to look for Amano.

But someone already saw through me before I even left.

Ayu, Nayuki, and Akiko-san continued working on the food and decorations.

"Why is Yuuichi-kun sad?" she asks.

Nayuki fell silent for a moment and said "Yuuichi feels that everyone won't be here for the celebration. And he feels awful about it."

"Who's not coming?" Ayu asked.

"Makoto." Nayuki answered.

Ayu thought back of the girl who always wore a blue jacket and a bag slung across her shoulder. Who had a ponytail on each side of her yellow hair. For some reason, Ayu knew what had happened to her.

Ayu thought for a moment and made up her mind and said "I'm going to help Yuuichi-kun."

This surprised Nayuki and her mother and Nayuki asked "How?"

"I don't know. But I'll know when I find him." Ayu said.

Nayuki smiled softly and said "Ayu-chan, please help him."

Ayu nodded and went up to Yuuichi's room. She then finds the angel doll and puts it in her pocket. As she prepares to leave, Nayuki asks "Where will you find him?"

Akiko-san then says "Moromi Hill."

Nayuki then looks at her mother and says "He went to the place where Makoto was born?"

Akiko-san nodded her head. Nayuki then hugged her mother and said "Ayu-chan, go to him. He needs you."

Ayu smiled and then ran out towards the door.

I sat on the cold ground, on top of Moromi Hill. You could see the entire city from the top. I looked at the city from where I was, everything looked so small.

I then closed my eyes, remembering the day Makoto left us behind. I was carrying her on my back, telling her that she'll be alright. But before we could reach the top---

I don't want to remember it.

I looked up to the sky and snow continued to fall. I then felt something in my pocket. It was Makoto's bells and Amano's invitation.

I lowered my head and sighed.

Forget it.

I then heard footsteps behind me. I then saw Ayu walking towards me.

"Yuuichi-kun." she said.

I tried to give her a happy look, but it was impossible. Ayu then sat beside me and looked at the city down below.

"Yuuichi-kun. You miss her?" Ayu asked.

I had a hard time nodding, I then said "She was like a little sister to both Nayuki and me. She was so childish at times, but when she became close to us...I--I didn't care anymore."

I knew I was gonna cry any minute. I know if I continue, I'll give out.

Who cares?

"If I knew she was the little fox I took care of, I wish I never left her all by herself. I was so stupid. Now, I'll never hear her laughter, or be laughed at by her silly pranks. Or go buy nikuman for her." I swallowed hard and then, I gave out.

I felt water gush out of my eyes and my chest contract. I leaned my head on Ayu's shoulder. In a choking voice, I said "I miss her, Ayu. I really miss her."

Ayu placed her arm around me and gently hushed me. Ayu then said "Yuuichi-kun granted me my wishes. Yuuichi-kun, let me grant you a wish."

I tried to wipe my face said "You can't grant my wish, Ayu. It's impossible. Even for you."

I turned to her and saw her holding the angel doll in her hand.

"I know I'm clumsy at times, but I can't stand seeing Yuuichi-kun so sad. Yuuichi-kun, I know it's silly, but there's nothing wrong in hoping. If you had a wish...what would it be?" she said.

There's nothing wrong in hoping? For some reason, I felt Ayu's words calmed me down.

I breathed in heavily and sighed "If I ever had a wish, I wish that all of us would be together this Christmas. I want us all to be a family this coming celebration."

The snow slowly stopped falling and cleared everything. Even my mind.

Ayu then held my hand and placed it with her other hand that was holding the doll. She then smiled as if saying "Everything will be alright."

"Aizawa-san."

I was surprised by that voice. I turned around and saw Amano standing right behind us.

"Amano, where've you been?"I asked.

"I heard something around town about a guy who was looking for me but couldn't find me. I went here to see if you were here. And I was right." Amano answered.

I then handed her an invitation to the party. She looked at it and smiled. She then said to us "I'll come. But I'll be a little late."

I smiled and said "Thanks, Amano."

Amano then held my hand and said "Aizawa-san, miracles happen to those who believe in it."

I was a bit surprised of what she said. But before I could ask, she was already walking away.

Ayu then turned to me and said "Yuuichi-kun, let's go home. Akiko-san and Nayuki-san must be worried about us."

I nodded to her and as we walked down towards the city, I couldn't forget what Amano had just told me.

Just what does she exactly mean by that?

Nayuki was cleaning up when she heard the doorknob click and the door opened.

She smiled when she saw the two people walk inside. With smiles on their faces, both Ayu and I said "Tadaima."

Nayuki ran towards them and hugged them and said "Okaeri."

Ayu and I hugged Nayuki in return. Akiko-san looked at us and smiled. We then broke up our hug and I said "Let's work hard and make this party a success."

The remaining days passed us quickly. Until, the day finally came. I looked around the house, and it was beautiful.

The food was plentiful. Just looking at it was already more than enough to make one drool.

I looked at the clock. It was only a few minutes and everyone will be here soon.

Nayuki and Akiko-san were already dressing up, while Ayu came down to accompany me.

As we waited for them to come, Amano's words kept buzzing in my head. What did she mean by it? Also, I wonder why she said she'll be late?

Nah.

"Yuuichi-kun, doushita no?" Ayu asked.

I looked at her with a smile and said "Nothing. Just excited."

Then came a knock at the door. Also, footsteps from the stairs followed. "They're here!" Nayuki exclaimed.

I opened the door and saw Shiori, Kaori and Kitagawa.

"Merry Christmas!" they said altogether.

"Kaori! Shiori! Kitagawa! Come inside!" I said as they entered.

"Can we eat now? I'm hungry!" Ayu said.

"Not yet, we still have two more to come." I said.

"Uguu~!" Ayu pouted.

Then another knock at the door came. Looks like it's them.

I opened the door and saw Mai and Sayuri with gifts as well.

"Merry Christmas!" Sayuri said happily. Mai only smiled.

"Come in. Mai don't cause any trouble." I said. the next thing that happened was a chop landing on my head, courtesy of Mai.

"Ouch. I was only kidding!" I said.

"Mai~" Sayuri said.

"Gomen" Mai said flatly.

Nayuki and Ayu just giggled at what Mai did to me.

"Alight then. Since everyone is here...let's party!" I said.

"YEAH!" everyone yelled.

First, all of us started the celebration with a toast. Then all of us hit the buffet.

As all of us ate, Kitagawa choked. Making us laugh. Especially Kaori. With all this happening, I keep wondering what happened to Amano...

Outside, nearby Minase residence...

"They've already started. We'd better hurry or we might not get anything." Amano said to her companion.

Her companion nodded and both them walked on.

I looked at the clock, it was a bit late. Amano, where the heck are you?

The party was then interrupted by a knock at door. Ayu turned to me and I nodded.

I ran to the door and opened it and saw Amano.

"Amano! I thought you'd never make it." I said.

"Sorry for making you worry." she said.

"Come in." I said. Amano nodded and then, I saw her turn to her right and hear her say "Come on. Don't be shy. they've been waiting for you."

I saw her hold someone's hand. Amano brought her friend along. But who was it?

"Come on. Don't be shy." she said.

When Amano pulled her companion inside, I was shocked.

Nayuki turned to the door, and was as shock as I was.

Akiko-san was as shocked as the two of us were.

"It-it can't be--!" I said.

Amano smiled and said "I had a hard time to convince her to come, but she finally agreed."

I was still in shock from what I was seeing.

It was a girl with yellow hair, with a ponytail on each side. She wore a blue jacket and had a bag slung around her shoulder.

It was her. It really was her.

"A-anou--" she said shyly.

I then ran to her and took her in my arms.

"Yuuichi--I--" she said.

"Makoto! Is it really you!?" I said.

Makoto squeaked with a nod. I was already crying when I held Makoto in my arms. I didn't want to let go of her, because if I did, she might disappear again.

Nayuki was crying. Akiko-san as well.

"Tadaima." Makoto said, crying as well.

"Okaeri, Makoto." I said.

I looked at Ayu. She was smiling at me.

Ayu. Thank you so much.

Ayu clapped her hands, and soon, everyone clapped their hands.

After a few minutes, the party continued.

All of us sang carols, and danced at the party. It was like we were celebrating together for one final time.

In the middle of the party, Amano approached me.

I was looking at Makoto, who was eating beside Ayu. Amano then said "She's not a fox anymore. She's now a human being."

I gawked at what she said. She looked at me and said "Aizawa-san. Please take good care of her."

I said to her "I will."

Amano smiled at my words.

Akiko-san then called all of us for a family picture. Everyone then stopped what they were doing and all of us posed for the camera.

I can't wait for our picture to be developed.

The party ended past midnight. But a snowstorm came along, making everyone stranded in the house.

I looked at everyone and asked "What do we do now?"

"That's easy." Kaori said.

In an instant, they brought out spare clothes and a few things.

"Eeh?!" I said.

"Nayuki also invited us all to sleep over, so all of us bought extra clothing." Kitagawa said.

I might've not paid enough attention to the details when we gave out the invitations.

"Ok, where will all of you guys sleep!?" I asked.

"Okasan and I already planned the rooms. Shiori and Kaori will sleep in my room. Yuuichi, Ayu-chan and Makoto will sleep in your room. While the other three will sleep in the vacant room." Nayuki explained.

"Oi! What about me!?" Kitagawa complained.

"You sleep on the sofa." Kaori insulted.

"Kaori, you're mean!" Kitagawa said. Kaori just laughed.

"Then it's settled. Let's get some sleep, minna!" I said.

After an hour, all of us went to our rooms to sleep. In just a matter of minutes, the entire house was asleep.

I stared at the ceiling of my bedroom.

I couldn't sleep. In the midst of the silence, all I could hear were Ayu and Makoto's gentle breathing.

I watched as both of them lay asleep together. The two people whom I thought I've lost for good, are now sleeping right in front of me.

I didn't want to sleep because if I sleep, both of them might disappear in the morning. I may sound childish, but losing them once is more than enough.

I pray, that when I wake up in the morning, they'll still be here.

I finally closed my eyes, looking forward for tomorrow to come.

The following day, the light penetrated my window. I didn't want to get up. Then I felt something heavy fall on me, which made me gag for air.

"Yuuichi's awake!" a voice rang out.

I was about to yell when I saw Makoto, lying on my bed. She smiled at me when I got up.

Forget it. It's only a waste if I yell at her in the morning.

After I got up, everyone got up as well. At the breakfast table, I noticed that everyone around me was never this lively.

It's like, I don't know...

After breakfast, everyone of our friends packed up and prepared to leave.

Outside, Ayu, Nayuki, Makoto and myself, accompanied our friends.

"That was a great party, Yuuichi-san! Let's all get together again next year!" Shiori said.

Mai and Sayuri lowered there heads a bit and said "But we might not be here."

I sighed and said "Cheer up. We don't even know what the New Year has in for all of us. Let's not worry what tomorrow will bring. What's important is now."

Both of them smiled and everyone nodded in agreement as to what I said.

"Well, see you guys soon!" Kaori said.

"Take care, everyone." Nayuki said.

Our friends then started to walk away, they waved at us as we all parted ways that morning. As for us, we watched as they disappeared from view.

"Let's go inside. It's getting cold." Nayuki said.

The three went on inside, I stayed behind.

Makoto then turned and noticed I was still where I stood. She frowned and then before I knew it, I saw Makoto was going to tackle me.

I fell flat on my back and said "Makoto! What did you do that for?!"

Makoto argued by saying "Because you look like your brain was in outer space! You were like waiting for someone whose not coming!"

I was at a loss for words on what Makoto said. But I smirked and said "Why should I be waiting for someone who's not coming--"

"Huh?" Makoto said puzzled.

"--when the person I'm waiting for is right here with me right now!" I ended.

Makoto smiled upon Yuuichi's words and hugged him.

I smiled at the feeling of what was happening.

Nayuki and Ayu looked at us outside. Nayuki giggled and said "They look so cute!"

Ayu repiled by said "Uguu~~~"

"Yuuichi! Makoto! Come on in before both of you catch a cold!" Nayuki yelled.

"Hai!" both of us yelled back.

Makoto helped me get up on the snow-covered ground. She then grabbed my arm and happily dragged me inside.

Makoto looked back at me with a joyful face. We were all together now. And nothing will ever pull us apart from each other.

My wish came true.

The sleeping miracle has awakened.

I looked outside towards the sky for one last time before closing the door. I sighed and said "Amano was right. Miracles do happen to those who believe in it."

Thank you, Ayu.

END.