Fic: Joy To The World (2/2)
Title: Joy To The World
Rating: T
Status: Part 2 of 2
Characters: Team Tiedoll, Black Order in general
Notes: I know Christmas is still several months away, but what the heck. This crack idea spawned from an idle thought during a boring lit class. I've always had the impression that Team Tiedoll is the most artistic of all the Exorcist teams. So why not exploit the thought? :D
---
Allen and Miranda helped with the decorations excitedly. The white-haired teen was sitting on top of 65 and helping one scientist tie baubles and garlands around the corners of the cafeteria, while Miranda assisted by handing them whatever trinket they needed from the huge box that Krory carried. Outside the huge windows the region of Auvergne in France was lost in a blanket of eternal white, and snowflakes fell from the skies unstoppably. Some Finders and other personnel were building snowmen; Allen could see the small dots of people moving around.
This was their first Christmas in HQ, for Miranda, Allen and Krory. The three were looking forward to the Christmas dinner later that evening, courtesy of course of Jerry and his awesome culinary team. There was also going to be a program, and then some dancing and drinking, and then the formal exchange of presents.
“There! All done!” Allen said as he climbed down the ladder after the scientist. He stood between Miranda and Krory, hands on his hips, as the three of them surveyed the huge cafeteria as the decorations were finalized. There were fifty giant Christmas trees complete with lights, garlands and singing angels; artificial snow fell constantly from the ceiling thanks to the snow machines the Science Department had installed. “This is pretty exciting. Everyone’s so happy.”
“That’s because this is the first Christmas everyone is at home.” The scientist replied. “The first time in close to eight years. Naturally we all want it to be perfect.”
Allen nodded, smiling, as he watched Generals Sokalo and Nine arrange the podium and the stage for the program later. Komui was there, coordinating with other personnel as they installed the sound systems and speakers.
“I’m excited, myself!” Miranda exclaimed. “I mean, I made everyone scarves and I do hope people would like the colors, I mean…” she spluttered and blushed as she was wont to do, and then hid her face behind her hands.
“I’m sure they’re excellent scarves.” Allen smiled kindly, having a hand on the woman’s shoulder. “I could use a scarf, myself. The last one I had got burned by an Akuma!”
Miranda beamed at him for that. He turned his head and saw Marie and Chaoji standing nearby, both clutching pieces of papers as they sang softly.
“A-ra? Marie and Chaoji are singing for later?” Allen asked, nudging the scientist.
“Oh, that?” The scientist grinned. “You had better just look forward to it later. See you, Allen, Miranda - Supervisor needs me to assist with the lights.”
They watched the scientist walk away. Miranda turned to Allen, blinking. Allen just shrugged.
---
“I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten,
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow…”
Kanda tch’d irritably and scowled at his piece of paper. He cleared his throat loudly and shifted his legs; he had been sitting on his table beside the glowing hourglass cross-legged for almost two hours now, and the sudden movement had pins attacking his limbs. He shifted, wincing lightly at the cramps, and tried again.
“I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white…”
Fucking song didn’t suit him at all. If he got his own way, he’d sing We Three Kings or The Twelve Days of Christmas or other some such carol, but no, Tiedoll had to give him a namby-pamby, sweetfuck song.
Stupid old man and his stupid choices and stupid taste. Kanda thought sourly. He ran a hand through his loose hair and cleared his throat again. He opened his mouth to sing the rest of the song when a knock sounded on his door.
“Kanda? Kanda, this is Reever---!”
“GET LOST!” He shouted promptly. From under the door he could see the shadow of Reever’s shoes hesitate a bit before going away. “Fucking disturbance.”
Kanda cast his glance away and it landed instead on the small pile of awkwardly-wrapped presents on his bed.
…
Maybe it was a bad idea.
Fuck, he was growing soft. Who ever heard of the Yuu Kanda giving presents on Christmas day?
…
Tch.
Kanda rose and scooped the small boxes into the trash bin.
---
Everyone was asked to dress in their holiday best and told to assemble at the cafeteria at exactly six in the evening. Allen wore his best suit and a black, silk top hat that he had inherited from Mana; Linali looked resplendent in a bright red and gold trimmed qi pao while Lavi actually managed to tame his fiery hair and did not look bad in his shirt, pants and boots. Miranda was wearing a pale turquoise dress and couldn’t stop blushing; Reever and the scientists almost looked odd without their lab coats.
People also had small sacks with them; undoubtedly presents. Allen had his own and had bought what he could with their meager paycheck, and he actually couldn’t wait to hand them all out later. Timcanpy was resting on his shoulder, flapping excitedly.
“Allen! Lavi! Merry Christmas!” Linali said, hugging them both. Lavi coughed into his hand and tried to hide away his blush; the slit on Linali’s skirts were scandalously high and allowed anyone a generous glimpse of her fine legs. Even Allen had to look at something else.
Instead, the English youth let his eyes feast on General Klaud Nine, who was wearing the latest German fashion; her pale pink dress hugged her curves perfectly, and the way her hair was held up suited her dark ermine fur coat especially.
“Has anyone seen Kanda?” Allen inquired after deciding that no, he couldn’t look at Klaud Nine or he would kill himself with a fine nosebleed. “Or is he not attending again….wait, come to think of it, where’re Marie and Chaoji?”
Lavi had his arms behind his head as he and Linali exchanged grins.
“Just you wait, bean sprout.”
“It’s Allen! How many times do I have to say that the name is Allen!?”
---
The program started with a speech from Komui and a small moment of silence dedicated to all comrades lost in the wars. It was followed by more speeches of inspiration and well-wishes from the Generals and some of the attending Branch heads, like Bak Chan and Renee Epstein.
Before dinner was served the Science Department boasted of a special number which involved dancing and Johnny balancing himself on stilts, much to the delight of everyone. Somewhere Allen heard General Sokalo bang his tankard of beer for more.
Allen, Miranda and Krory were especially taken with the program, and when dinner was served, their table was supplied with close to twenty turkeys just to accommodate Allen’s appetite alone. Linali recommended trying the crab, but before Allen could try it, Lavi had already grabbed the tasty legs and claimed them for himself.
There was generous outpouring of all kinds of alcoholic beverages, but Allen contented himself with champagne. He looked around as he drank, and noticed yet again, that Team Tiedoll was nowhere to be found.
Where the hell are they?
---
It was ten in the evening when Lavi took up the cry that was eventually picked up by everyone except Allen, Miranda and Krory.
“Carol! Carol! Carol! Carol!” Lavi chanted, banging his spoon against his wine glass.
Linali soon followed. “Carol! Carol! Carol! Carol!”
Miranda, Allen and Krory watched as everyone soon followed suit, their voices mingling and rising upward, as if some call. Komui was back on the stage again, and the lights were suddenly dimmed.
“Without fail, whenever Exorcists and Finders and the Black Order come together to celebrate the birth of Christ, General Froi Tiedoll and his team has always given us a memorable present.” Komui announced as the chanting slowly died. “It has been eight years since we have been together like this, and now, without fail of course, General Froi Tiedoll and his team will give us their present. No, this is not because of the poor paycheck!”
Many people in the crowd laughed at that jab.
“What present?” Allen asked, poking Lavi.
“Ssh, just watch and listen!” The Bookman trainee grinned.
Several scientists and personnel took places around the stage, and soon picked up musical instruments. Allen watched, mystified, until the spotlight swiveled onto a figure wearing the complete Exorcist uniform on the stage.
What the hell? Kanda--?
Kanda took a moment to glare at them all before…
Well, before…
Breaking into song.
“On the first day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.”
The spotlight swiveled onto Marie next.
“On the second day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.”
Then a visibly-trembling Chaoji was next.
“On the third day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.”
Allen knew he was gaping.
WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!
---
Soon everyone else was singing along with Team Tiedoll:
“On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!”
Despite the fact that it was the epitome of weird that Kanda was on stage, singing - by the gods, singing! - Christmas carols. It was absurd, to see Kanda like that. But even then, for Allen, the word absurd was sheer understatement. It was strange! It was weird! If Kanda wasn’t wearing the uniform, didn’t have Mugen and that unmistakable scowl of his, Allen would’ve said it was Akuma up there, singing.
It was followed by solo performances from the team. General Tiedoll sang We Three Kings, while Marie sang Oh Come, All Ye Faithful. Chaoji was pale and trembling like a leaf as he sang Joy To The World, and even tripped as he exited the stage. Allen clapped hard for him, though. He had a decent voice, mind.
The last to sing was Kanda, with White Christmas and his violin. Everyone had gone strangely quiet as he played and sang, and frankly Allen could not believe the bastard had such a nice voice. Half-way through the song Allen suddenly realized why the fuss over Kanda’s cough from two days ago. So THIS was what they were all looking forward to.
Finally, Kanda was done, and he glared at them all and said, “Che.” But as he climbed down the stage, Lavi and Linali stood up and led the applause. Allen was soon on his feet and clapping hard, until he couldn’t quite feel his hands anymore.
The party ended and the gift-giving was begun with a resounding “MERRY CHRISTMAS” from everyone present.
---
“Thanks so much, Marie-san!” Chaoji bowed over and over again as Noise Marie put the pile of presents down by his doorstep at around four in the morning.
“No problem.” Marie replied. “Merry Christmas, Chaoji.”
“Merry Christmas to you too, sir!”
Smiling, Chaoji set to work and heaved the wrapped bundle he had acquired that evening. It was a memorable Christmas; a happy one despite the fact that some friends might die tomorrow as work resumed again. It was happy, true, but for Chaoji nothing would beat the simple merry-making aboard Mistress Anita’s ship.
He had presents from nearly everyone - Allen Walker, Linali and Komui Lee, Lavi, Bookman, Miranda, Krory, Marie-san, General Tiedoll… truth be told Chaoji felt like a kid and would have loved to open them all, but he was tired and his eyes wanted to snap shut already.
Footsteps. Chaoji looked up to find Kanda walking back to his rooms too. Immediately, he bowed toward his teammate.
“Merry Christmas, Kanda-san!” Chaoji said.
The raven-haired Japanese stopped on his tracks and blinked at him, as if only seeing him clearly for the first time. Chaoji noted that the guy had a faint blush - then he remembered Kanda and Lavi had duked it out on sake earlier.
“Whatever.” Was all Kanda said before going on his way; of all the people in the Tower that evening, he was the only one who did not give and receive presents.
Chaoji hesitated, then decided that he should just forget about it. Smiling, he pulled his heap of gifts into his own room and closed the door behind him.
“He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.”
Rating: T
Status: Part 2 of 2
Characters: Team Tiedoll, Black Order in general
Notes: I know Christmas is still several months away, but what the heck. This crack idea spawned from an idle thought during a boring lit class. I've always had the impression that Team Tiedoll is the most artistic of all the Exorcist teams. So why not exploit the thought? :D
---
Allen and Miranda helped with the decorations excitedly. The white-haired teen was sitting on top of 65 and helping one scientist tie baubles and garlands around the corners of the cafeteria, while Miranda assisted by handing them whatever trinket they needed from the huge box that Krory carried. Outside the huge windows the region of Auvergne in France was lost in a blanket of eternal white, and snowflakes fell from the skies unstoppably. Some Finders and other personnel were building snowmen; Allen could see the small dots of people moving around.
This was their first Christmas in HQ, for Miranda, Allen and Krory. The three were looking forward to the Christmas dinner later that evening, courtesy of course of Jerry and his awesome culinary team. There was also going to be a program, and then some dancing and drinking, and then the formal exchange of presents.
“There! All done!” Allen said as he climbed down the ladder after the scientist. He stood between Miranda and Krory, hands on his hips, as the three of them surveyed the huge cafeteria as the decorations were finalized. There were fifty giant Christmas trees complete with lights, garlands and singing angels; artificial snow fell constantly from the ceiling thanks to the snow machines the Science Department had installed. “This is pretty exciting. Everyone’s so happy.”
“That’s because this is the first Christmas everyone is at home.” The scientist replied. “The first time in close to eight years. Naturally we all want it to be perfect.”
Allen nodded, smiling, as he watched Generals Sokalo and Nine arrange the podium and the stage for the program later. Komui was there, coordinating with other personnel as they installed the sound systems and speakers.
“I’m excited, myself!” Miranda exclaimed. “I mean, I made everyone scarves and I do hope people would like the colors, I mean…” she spluttered and blushed as she was wont to do, and then hid her face behind her hands.
“I’m sure they’re excellent scarves.” Allen smiled kindly, having a hand on the woman’s shoulder. “I could use a scarf, myself. The last one I had got burned by an Akuma!”
Miranda beamed at him for that. He turned his head and saw Marie and Chaoji standing nearby, both clutching pieces of papers as they sang softly.
“A-ra? Marie and Chaoji are singing for later?” Allen asked, nudging the scientist.
“Oh, that?” The scientist grinned. “You had better just look forward to it later. See you, Allen, Miranda - Supervisor needs me to assist with the lights.”
They watched the scientist walk away. Miranda turned to Allen, blinking. Allen just shrugged.
---
“I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten,
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow…”
Kanda tch’d irritably and scowled at his piece of paper. He cleared his throat loudly and shifted his legs; he had been sitting on his table beside the glowing hourglass cross-legged for almost two hours now, and the sudden movement had pins attacking his limbs. He shifted, wincing lightly at the cramps, and tried again.
“I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white…”
Fucking song didn’t suit him at all. If he got his own way, he’d sing We Three Kings or The Twelve Days of Christmas or other some such carol, but no, Tiedoll had to give him a namby-pamby, sweetfuck song.
Stupid old man and his stupid choices and stupid taste. Kanda thought sourly. He ran a hand through his loose hair and cleared his throat again. He opened his mouth to sing the rest of the song when a knock sounded on his door.
“Kanda? Kanda, this is Reever---!”
“GET LOST!” He shouted promptly. From under the door he could see the shadow of Reever’s shoes hesitate a bit before going away. “Fucking disturbance.”
Kanda cast his glance away and it landed instead on the small pile of awkwardly-wrapped presents on his bed.
…
Maybe it was a bad idea.
Fuck, he was growing soft. Who ever heard of the Yuu Kanda giving presents on Christmas day?
…
Tch.
Kanda rose and scooped the small boxes into the trash bin.
---
Everyone was asked to dress in their holiday best and told to assemble at the cafeteria at exactly six in the evening. Allen wore his best suit and a black, silk top hat that he had inherited from Mana; Linali looked resplendent in a bright red and gold trimmed qi pao while Lavi actually managed to tame his fiery hair and did not look bad in his shirt, pants and boots. Miranda was wearing a pale turquoise dress and couldn’t stop blushing; Reever and the scientists almost looked odd without their lab coats.
People also had small sacks with them; undoubtedly presents. Allen had his own and had bought what he could with their meager paycheck, and he actually couldn’t wait to hand them all out later. Timcanpy was resting on his shoulder, flapping excitedly.
“Allen! Lavi! Merry Christmas!” Linali said, hugging them both. Lavi coughed into his hand and tried to hide away his blush; the slit on Linali’s skirts were scandalously high and allowed anyone a generous glimpse of her fine legs. Even Allen had to look at something else.
Instead, the English youth let his eyes feast on General Klaud Nine, who was wearing the latest German fashion; her pale pink dress hugged her curves perfectly, and the way her hair was held up suited her dark ermine fur coat especially.
“Has anyone seen Kanda?” Allen inquired after deciding that no, he couldn’t look at Klaud Nine or he would kill himself with a fine nosebleed. “Or is he not attending again….wait, come to think of it, where’re Marie and Chaoji?”
Lavi had his arms behind his head as he and Linali exchanged grins.
“Just you wait, bean sprout.”
“It’s Allen! How many times do I have to say that the name is Allen!?”
---
The program started with a speech from Komui and a small moment of silence dedicated to all comrades lost in the wars. It was followed by more speeches of inspiration and well-wishes from the Generals and some of the attending Branch heads, like Bak Chan and Renee Epstein.
Before dinner was served the Science Department boasted of a special number which involved dancing and Johnny balancing himself on stilts, much to the delight of everyone. Somewhere Allen heard General Sokalo bang his tankard of beer for more.
Allen, Miranda and Krory were especially taken with the program, and when dinner was served, their table was supplied with close to twenty turkeys just to accommodate Allen’s appetite alone. Linali recommended trying the crab, but before Allen could try it, Lavi had already grabbed the tasty legs and claimed them for himself.
There was generous outpouring of all kinds of alcoholic beverages, but Allen contented himself with champagne. He looked around as he drank, and noticed yet again, that Team Tiedoll was nowhere to be found.
Where the hell are they?
---
It was ten in the evening when Lavi took up the cry that was eventually picked up by everyone except Allen, Miranda and Krory.
“Carol! Carol! Carol! Carol!” Lavi chanted, banging his spoon against his wine glass.
Linali soon followed. “Carol! Carol! Carol! Carol!”
Miranda, Allen and Krory watched as everyone soon followed suit, their voices mingling and rising upward, as if some call. Komui was back on the stage again, and the lights were suddenly dimmed.
“Without fail, whenever Exorcists and Finders and the Black Order come together to celebrate the birth of Christ, General Froi Tiedoll and his team has always given us a memorable present.” Komui announced as the chanting slowly died. “It has been eight years since we have been together like this, and now, without fail of course, General Froi Tiedoll and his team will give us their present. No, this is not because of the poor paycheck!”
Many people in the crowd laughed at that jab.
“What present?” Allen asked, poking Lavi.
“Ssh, just watch and listen!” The Bookman trainee grinned.
Several scientists and personnel took places around the stage, and soon picked up musical instruments. Allen watched, mystified, until the spotlight swiveled onto a figure wearing the complete Exorcist uniform on the stage.
What the hell? Kanda--?
Kanda took a moment to glare at them all before…
Well, before…
Breaking into song.
“On the first day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.”
The spotlight swiveled onto Marie next.
“On the second day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.”
Then a visibly-trembling Chaoji was next.
“On the third day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.”
Allen knew he was gaping.
WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!
---
Soon everyone else was singing along with Team Tiedoll:
“On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!”
Despite the fact that it was the epitome of weird that Kanda was on stage, singing - by the gods, singing! - Christmas carols. It was absurd, to see Kanda like that. But even then, for Allen, the word absurd was sheer understatement. It was strange! It was weird! If Kanda wasn’t wearing the uniform, didn’t have Mugen and that unmistakable scowl of his, Allen would’ve said it was Akuma up there, singing.
It was followed by solo performances from the team. General Tiedoll sang We Three Kings, while Marie sang Oh Come, All Ye Faithful. Chaoji was pale and trembling like a leaf as he sang Joy To The World, and even tripped as he exited the stage. Allen clapped hard for him, though. He had a decent voice, mind.
The last to sing was Kanda, with White Christmas and his violin. Everyone had gone strangely quiet as he played and sang, and frankly Allen could not believe the bastard had such a nice voice. Half-way through the song Allen suddenly realized why the fuss over Kanda’s cough from two days ago. So THIS was what they were all looking forward to.
Finally, Kanda was done, and he glared at them all and said, “Che.” But as he climbed down the stage, Lavi and Linali stood up and led the applause. Allen was soon on his feet and clapping hard, until he couldn’t quite feel his hands anymore.
The party ended and the gift-giving was begun with a resounding “MERRY CHRISTMAS” from everyone present.
---
“Thanks so much, Marie-san!” Chaoji bowed over and over again as Noise Marie put the pile of presents down by his doorstep at around four in the morning.
“No problem.” Marie replied. “Merry Christmas, Chaoji.”
“Merry Christmas to you too, sir!”
Smiling, Chaoji set to work and heaved the wrapped bundle he had acquired that evening. It was a memorable Christmas; a happy one despite the fact that some friends might die tomorrow as work resumed again. It was happy, true, but for Chaoji nothing would beat the simple merry-making aboard Mistress Anita’s ship.
He had presents from nearly everyone - Allen Walker, Linali and Komui Lee, Lavi, Bookman, Miranda, Krory, Marie-san, General Tiedoll… truth be told Chaoji felt like a kid and would have loved to open them all, but he was tired and his eyes wanted to snap shut already.
Footsteps. Chaoji looked up to find Kanda walking back to his rooms too. Immediately, he bowed toward his teammate.
“Merry Christmas, Kanda-san!” Chaoji said.
The raven-haired Japanese stopped on his tracks and blinked at him, as if only seeing him clearly for the first time. Chaoji noted that the guy had a faint blush - then he remembered Kanda and Lavi had duked it out on sake earlier.
“Whatever.” Was all Kanda said before going on his way; of all the people in the Tower that evening, he was the only one who did not give and receive presents.
Chaoji hesitated, then decided that he should just forget about it. Smiling, he pulled his heap of gifts into his own room and closed the door behind him.
“He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.”