Okay here is the super overdue continuation of Ascended. I'm sorry it took so long to those who eagerly awaited this chapter, but here it is. As a means of apology I made it super lengthy. I also would like to promise, that this story will have an ending. I can't promise it will be soon, but that it will come. So stick around and I hope you enjoy Chapter 6 of Ascended.

xoxo

Midnight

Carrie was uncomfortable.

Well, more so than she usually was.

Here she was, standing in the center of a bustling courtyard. Watching a chaotic scene unfold as her fellow students prepared for the festivities. Crafting shacks throughout the yard, and stringing up lights in various trees.

And while it looked like everyone was charge with a task for the event, there was just one who got overlooked in the matter.

As such, Carrie was left to idle among the commotion. Though not for long…

"Oiiii, Goldie!" Someone cried, causing Carrie to glance in their direction. There atop one of the many booths was the familiar sea god. His arm outstretched and waving in her direction.

Honestly, she thought about running away.

But she got the feeling that if she tried that, he'd have something to say later. She sighed and began to make her way through the yard, minding the hardworking students who crossed her path. And after just a few minutes, Carrie found herself in front of his booth.

"H-hello" She muttered, and in response he made a 'tsk' sound. Whatever he'd been working on, stopped. Takeru swung his legs over the roof before taking a leap. Landing hard on the cobblestone, making the skittish blonde step back fearfully. His hand reached up and planted itself on top her head.

"Come on now, is that best you got? Say it again, now stuttering this time" He commanded, eyeing the girl impatiently. Under his intense gaze, Carrie became even more nervous. She mustered up all the strength she had to avoid her stutter. She took a deep breathe before trying.

"Hello" She said quietly, pride coursing through her as soon as she managed to say it. However, the god was less than impressed. He pulled his hand off her head and cupped it around his ear.

"Huh, sorry I didn't quite get that" He said leaning into her, she pouted at his disapproval.

"Hell-"

"Nope, try again"

"HELLO" She shouted, irritation compelling her. Instantly her hands shot up to cover her mouth shyly, as she reeled in her temper.

"Ahh, I think my ears are ringing Goldie" Takeru said with a smirk, patting her head as congratulations.

"Goldie?" Carrie repeated in confusion, lowering her hands.

"You know, like a goldfish. Cause your hairs about the same color" He explained pointing his finger in her face.

"I don't think that's really right-"

"You're Goldie, got that"

"Okay" Carrie agreed obediently, and that was that.

"Now why are you just standing around like a lost puppy?" He asked, his arms folding against his chest.

"Well, I'm just not sure what I should be doing"

"What do you mean? You're not prepping a booth or anything" She nodded in response.

"Idiots, look how about you help us. We could sure use it"

"I'm not really good at this kind of thing" Carrie replied, fidgeting with her finger nervously.

"You'll be fine, we'll give you all the direction you might need. Ain't that right brother" He said, glancing over his shoulder towards his sibling. Honestly Carrie hadn't noticed her fellow student crouched right next to them. Tsukito was mid brush stroke for his landscape, but paused to address them.

"Of course" He said simply, before continuing his work.

"There you have it, now how about you help brother finish up the painting" Takeru instructed guiding the blonde, setting her next to the moon god. He handed her a spare brush, before climbing back up to work on the roof.

Hesitantly, Carrie dipped her brush in the blue paint. She tapped it on the rim to get rid of any excess paint. Bringing the paintbrush to the picture, Carrie felt herself timid to continue painting.

"Excuse me" She said over to Tsukito, who paused in his actions to face her.

"What is it, Ms. White?" He asked monotonously.

"I, well, I just wanted to say that if I make a mistake or anything that you would let me know. And maybe help me fix it" Carrie felt bad making him stop like that, she felt like she was hindering their progress more than help. And she'd barely started.

"Of course Ms. White. I'm already done with half the picture, just look to my side for reference while you fill in the lines. You shouldn't worry about making any mistake, we still have plenty of time before the festival begins" With that said, he continued with his work. His wording easing Carrie, and she found the courage to start painting.

She started with a dark blue, filling the outline of the mountains in the foot of the picture. With each stroke of her brush, Carrie felt more and more confident. Eventually moving about the same pace as Tsukito. She dipped her brush in the water, removing the old paint color. Her next choice being white, to paint the mountain peaks and adding some dimension to the sides.

Time passed quickly, and eventually she finished filling in the landscape. Carrie leaned back to inspect her work. She felt pretty proud of how it turned out, but whose to say if the brothers would approve.

"Nice job, Ms. White" Tsukito complimented, Carrie now realizing he'd long since been done.

"Thank you, I'm glad it turned out right" She said with a smile, relieved she'd been able to do some good.

She put her brush back in the cup of water, washing away any paint lingering on the bristles. When she finished, she helped pack up the rest of the paints and cloths with Tsukito. She stepped inside the booth and placed the supplies on a shelf, tucked away in the back corner. While doing this, her ears peaked at the sound of squeaky wheels grating against the cobblestone. Looking over her shoulder, she saw Yui pushing a cart full of various boxes and equipment.

"Carrie" The brunette exclaimed at the sight of the girl.

"Hi there" She greeted back with a meek wave.

"Are you finally back, Weed?!" Takeru shouted from on high.

"Yeah, sorry it took so long" She shouted back while picking up one of the many boxes. Carrie walked over and grabbed on as well, setting it aside on the counter.

"Thanks for the help Carrie, did you already finish everything over at your own booth" Yui asked opening up one of the boxes.

"Actually, I wasn't really doing anything before Takeru called me over" She answered placing another box on the counter. Yui, however, stopped dead in her tracks to stare at the blonde.

"You mean, you didn't get assigned any projects or anything?!" Carrie merely nodded in response, making her friend lower her head depressingly.

"I can't believe I let that happen, I'm so sorry"

"Don't worry about it, I'm kinda used to it actually" She replied with a nervous smile.

"Well you shouldn't, you must have been so excited about the market. I know Christmas is so important to Westners, and that you might've been looking forward to this so much. Really I can't apologize enough" Yui said once again, this time with an apologetic bow.

"Actually I haven't really celebrated it before, so I didn't mind" Her statement making Yui stand back up to look at her friend in confusion. Before she could ask the question, Carrie cut her off.

"Mama said it was a pagan holiday, that it was full of greed and corruption" It wasn't until the words escaped her mouth, she realized what she said. It was the first time she had said or even thought of her mother in all the time she'd been there. Luckily Yui failed to notice her friend's hesitation.

"Then I'm happy you're here helping us anyway" The brunette said, handing several flatten green boxes over to the blonde.

"What are these for?" Carrie asked.

"For the Higashi, we plan to sell" Tsukito answered from behind her. Carrie turned around to see the god holding and tray with a rainbow of various candies. She admired their vibrant color and design, like flowers and fruits.

"Hi-gashi" She repeated curiously, taking her time as to avoid mispronouncing it.

"That's right, they're candy" Yui said, plucking one off the tray before handing it to Carrie. The blonde held it in her hand for a minute, nervous to try such a foreign food. She plopped it right into her mouth, finding her mouth in array of sweet flavors.

"They're really good" Carrie praised, continuing to chew the remnants in her mouth.

"Glad you like them, they're a family recipe of mine. We're planning to sell them alongside the soup" Yui said eagerly.

"Everyone's going to love these" The compliment making Yui's face light up, and seeing that reaction made Carrie feel elated.

"Thanks Carrie, if you don't mind, would you fill the boxes while we get everything ready" The brunette asked.

"Yeah" She answered, setting the flat boxes down as the moon god did the same with his tray. Everyone altered positions in the booth to continue working.

Carrie settled herself up front, boxing up the candies. She folded the boxes, propping them up to hold their sweets. Then she took about eight or so candies and piled them in. She continued this pattern for a while. When she worried about running about of Higashi, Tsukito appeared with a couple more trays. Her project kept her busy, and eventually nightfall came upon the campus.

"How's everything going down here?" Takeru asked, climbing down from the roof.

"Everything looks good, but I think it might be time for the opening ceremony" Yui answered, tucking away some plates beneath a shelf.

"Then we should head over"

"How about you guys go, I'm going to prep the ingredients for the soup before I head over" Yui offered, grabbing another box from the cart.

"Are you sure you don't want us to stay and help" Carrie asked, having packaged the last of the candies. But Yui nodded her head 'no'.

"Go, I can manage this much. I'll meet up with you guys in a few minutes" By this point she was now shooing people out of the booth.

"Fine, we'll see ya there then" Takeru said with a slight wave before heading off, Tsukito following behind him.

Carrie waited a second, waiting if Yui might have changed her mind. When she didn't, Carrie followed after the other gods towards the ceremony. She jogged a bit to catch up to them, slowing her pace when she was right behind them.

Their fellow classmates walking beside them, converting towards the center of the courtyard. Takeru pushed his way through the crowd, creating a path towards a stage erected in the center. They found themselves standing beside the other gods as Apollon stepped onto the stage.

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen" He greeted, his cheer almost contagious.

"After all our hard work, the day has finally arrived where we-"

"Hurry it up. You're talking too much" The god of fertility heckled, a mischievous grin donning his face. Everyone laughed at the class president's expense, who found himself pouting in response.

"Jeez Dee-Dee, the opening speech is the student council president's job. Its my job" He retorted back, a scarlet blush coating his cheeks. The two gods continued to bicker amongst the crowd, formalities disappearing.

"It's time to turn on the lights" Hades said, standing beside Takeru. Carrie hadn't noticed his presence; she'd been busy trying to find a certain brunette in the crowd. She stood on her tippy toes looking past various faces for Yui, wondering if she might've been still working.

"Yes" Tsukito agreed with the Greek god, before turning to face Carrie.

"Is everything alright Ms. White?" He asked, puzzled by her actions.

"Oh, I was just trying to find Yui in the crowd" She answered, relenting in her search to find the brunette.

"The weed probably got distracted by something else, she'll be fine" Takeru said, dismissing the issue though the blonde still had an uneasy feeling about it.

"Alright Everyone, lets begin the countdown!" Apollon announced, raising his hands into the sky. His fingers spread apart representing the number they'd countdown from.

"10!" Everyone shouted in unison.

"9!" Carrie debated whether or not to yell aloud too, it just seemed too out of character for her.

"8" She felt a hand wrap around her shoulder, seeing it belonged to Takeru.

"7" He shouted with everyone, but with the way he was looking at her, she could tell he wanted her to say it along.

"6" Carrie found her voice, joining the crowd's cheer. With each number they shouted out, the blonde felt herself getting more and more excited. Crowd had to resist the urge to hurry the count, but regardless they kept their pace steady.

"2!" People were practically screaming.

"1!"

"0!"

The anticipated lights flickered on, illuminating the courtyard. Vibrant, colorful lights strung up in trees and across booths. The blonde squinted her eyes at the brilliance, her eyes adjusted to the darkness. But when she managed to open them, she couldn't look away. Carrie stared at all of it in awe, never seeing something so pretty like it.

"Let's enjoy ourselves tonight!" Apollon exclaimed, waving his arms through the air in excitement. Though from this action, Carrie thought he looked more like a bird.

"Come on, we should head over to the booth" Takeru suggested, turning his back away from the stage.

"Yes" Tsukito agreed, readied to follow.

Carrie nodded, tagging along after the brothers. Everyone else had the same idea, with the market officially open, all the students were eager to head to their booths. Or maybe check out those by other students.

The blonde was relieved when they arrived back at their booth, seeing a familiar brunette behind the counter. She was stirring the contents of a pot, but the expression on her face caused worry to stir within Carrie. Yui's usually upbeat demeanor seemed void, she looked almost melancholy.

"There you are, we couldn't find you at the ceremony Weed" Takeru greeted, stepping inside the booth. He reached beneath the counter and pulled out a blue apron, then continued to wrap it around himself.

"Ah sorry, I just got busy" She explained, panic almost masking her sad demeanor.

"I could have stayed to help if you had that mush to do" Carrie offered, though it seemed a bit too late.

"No everything here was fine, it was something else that kept me busy" Yui explained with a smile, before turning her attention back to the pot. Carrie wanted to press her about what happened, but she figured it best to leave her friend be for the moment. She knew better than to pry when it wasn't welcomed.

And just like that everyone went about their business. Takeru swapped positions with Yui. He continued to stir the red colored soup, while she moved on to grill something called moosh-or whatever it was called. Tsukito and Carrie assumed position behind the Higashi to promote it.

Though maybe placing the two more silent members of the group on that task wasn't as beneficial.

"Come on you too, you got to get people to come over here" Takeru urged, and at least his brother complied.

"Please, try some of our sweets" He said in his usual monotone.

Carrie, however, seemed more reluctant. It was only a few hours ago, she'd manage to stop stuttering. She might have been able to talk to Yui and the other gods more confidently now, but addressing the other students seemed to be another huge hurdle.

"Hey come on Goldie, we worked on this" Takeru ushered, and by this point Carrie knew better than to resist his demands. She took a deep breath and prepared herself to encourage the other student to stop by. However, when she opened her mouth to talk nothing but a small squeak mad it past her lips.

She glanced over to the sea god, and while he was still stirring the soup his eyes watched her. She'd try again. This time managing a few words more than the previous squeak. Alright, one more time.

"Please try some of our sweets" Carrie finally managed to say, immediately proud of her accomplishment. She looked over to Takeru, and when she saw him smiling in her direction her confidence boost even more. Each time she repeated the phrase, her volume got louder. Until finally…

"Can I get some of these" A plain faced girl asked, and it felt like Carrie had won a trophy.

"Four coins please" Tsukito instructed, and the girl happily paid for her treat.

"Nice job you two" Takeru praised from his station.

"Hey there Weed, how about you drop that sad expression. You're scarring away what few customers we have" He chastised, swinging his ladle in her direction. His words dragging the brunette from her thoughts, making her nearly drop the plates she'd been carrying.

"You should really take a page out of Goldie's book" He advised, before he called out to the passerby.

"Goldie?" Yui repeated in confusion, turning her head to Carrie for answers. Though with a glance the blonde tried to say 'don't ask'. And through whatever means of underdeveloped telepathic abilities Yui possessed, she nodded in agreement.

"Takeru Totsuka, you have a customer" Tsukito announced, making the inhabitants of the booth turn their head to see a familiar impatient face.

"Give me all the shiruko you have, now" Thoth commanded, slamming a satchel full of coins on the counter. Coins spilled out from their confines, the satchel barely containing their amount.

"So many coins, how do you have so many when students were only given ten" Yui asked, amazed by the sheer amount before her. Thoth glared at the brunette with but a side glance before striding over to her. His palm slammed against one of the beams supporting the booth, caging her in.

"I earned these coins by sweating away at my on booth" He answered, presenting one of his coins close to the brunette's face.

"You have no right to complain" He seethed, his presence so intimidating Yui barely managed to mutter a 'Yes, sir'.

"Now hurry on with my soup, I have to return to my booth" He demanded, releasing the trapped Yui.

Carrie hurried to grab empty bowls and trays from the back counter, trying her hardest not to shake them with her nervousness. She succeeded in bringing them over to Takeru, who immediately started filling them with his soup. He'd pass the bowls back over to Carrie, who'd place them together of the trays. It was ridiculous how many bowls and trays their professor had bought. And as soon as they had finished, Thoth picked up the stacks in each hand.

"I'll be back, ready the next batch for when I do" He ordered, turning to leave. The bowls shaking with each step he took. With him being far gone, everyone sighed in relief.

"He's gonna eat more? Good grief" Takeru grumbled, looking for more ingredients to remake the soup.

The increasing sound of chattering made Carrie's ears peak. Looking a ways beyond the booth, she noticed a crowd of students gradually approaching. Then she noticed, Yui had stopped dead in her tracks to stare at the impending crowd. Though more particularly, the god they swarmed. Suddenly the brunette ran away in the opposite direction, only Carrie noticing.

"Huh, Is this the Japanese booth?" Balder asked upon his arrival, frantically looking at each face behind the counter.

"It is" Tsukito answered simply.

"Then where might Yui be?" He requested.

"She was right there-but now she isn't" The moon god replied looking in the empty spot she once occupied.

"What?!" Takeru shouted, turning around and failing to see the brunette.

"Who's going to grill the mochi?" He groaned, abandoning his soup to place his hands on his hips. Quietly Balder excused himself, hurrying away to search for Yui. In the midst of the confusion, Carrie debated whether or not she should have spoken up about Yui's disappearance, but she figured the brunette left hoping for that intention.

"Hey Goldie, do you mind taking over for me?" Takeru asked, extending his ladle over to her. The blonde nodded and took the instrument from him. She then walked hesitantly towards the brew, afraid she'd mess with the soup.

"I already added everything to it, all you got to do is stir it" He added, noticing her procrastination.

"Alright, thanks" She said, tucking the ladle back into the soup.

She extended her arm and moved it around in a circular motion, mixing the content's together. The color, almost resembling chocolate, and the consistency so thick. She inhaled the scent radiating off and was delighted with a sweet aroma. She became so mesmerized by stirring the contents; she jumped when Takeru threw in the mochi.

"Ah, sorry there" He apologized at her surprise.

"Its okay" She reassured.

"Here I'll take over again" He offered, extending his empty hand. To which she passed the baton-or rather ladle. Carrie stepped aside, giving him his space back to stir the soup again. Though she'd been relieved of her duty the blonde continued to stare at the brew, which the sea god noticed. Takeru snickered, grabbing an empty bowl and filling it with the soup.

"Try some" He said, holding out the bowl to her. Tentatively she took it from him, holding the hot ceramic between her hands. She brought the bowl up to her lips, sipping on the hot contents.

"You don't like it" Takeru suggested, seeing her face scrunch up a bit.

"NO…no of course not. Its just different" Carrie assured, carefully thinking over her words as not to sound mean.

"Different?" He repeated.

"I just haven't had anything like it, all I can say is that it tastes sweet" She said, taking another sip.

"I should hope so, it's meant to be" Takeru replied with a chuckle before continuing to stir the soup. Carrie set the soup down on the counter, continuing her job with Tsukito promoting the candies. The first girl who bought them must have told her friends as more and more people appeared wanting some. The dozens of boxes they had originally started with, dwindled now to just one.

Scratch that-a pair of girls stopped by and took the last of them.

"I think Yui Kusanagi will be pleased to know here recipe did well" Tsukito said, undoing his apron.

Carrie nodded in agreement, wondering how her friend might be doing. Before she could worry anymore for the brunette- a smash on the hardwood counter tore her from her thoughts.

"I want all of you're red bean soup. Now" Thoth demanded, having tossed another satchel full of coins against the counter. Tsukito picked the satchel up, and one by one took each coin out as he counted them.

"You have enough for a few dozen bowls" He announced finishing his count, but his statement angered the professor. A fist slammed down on the counter as he glared at the stoic god.

"Just a few dozen, I have more than enough for ALL the soup you imbecile" The professor argued.

"Look sir, you can take what soup we give you or you can have none. Take you're pick" Takeru countered, placing himself between Thoth and his brother. It was a stalemate between two steadfast forces. Carrie didn't want to get in the midst of things, but she also wanted to help.

"Master Thoth" She called over, receiving a agitated glare. She almost wanted to give up, but she decided to give herself one last push for the day.

"Take these, I think it should be enough" She said, setting her coins on the counter.

"Hey Carrie" Takeru said, trying to stop her.

"I don't need you're handouts, mouse" Thoth said sternly.

"It's just a way to say thank you, for teaching us. Not a handout" Carrie managed to squeak out under the professor's hard gaze.

"Will this suffice then?" He asked bringing his attention back to the moon god.

"Yes" He answered with a slight nod. With nothing more needing to be said, Takeru hurried on and used the rest of the soup for the professor's order. In just a moment Thoth cradled dozens of trays over his shoulders and proceeded to walk away.

Carrie felt great; she'd been able to help once again. She was amazed with herself for being able to do so much in a given day. It was more than she ever accomplished in her whole life.

"Why'd you do that?" Takeru asked, wondering as to why she'd even want to help such a coldhearted teacher.

"I just wanted to" She said, a faint smile working its way to her face.

"Silly Goldie" Takeru said, lightly patting her head for the millionth time that day.

"The market's almost over" Tsukito announced to the two.

"It should be about the time we meet up with Apollon Agana Belea and everyone else. You two should go, I can stay and tidy things up" He offered, his face expressionless.

"Are you sure brother?" Takeru asked, unwilling to leave his brother with all the work.

"Yes, there's not much else to do. It shouldn't take more than one person" He assured, his brother looked around the booth checking to make sure there was only a little work. The moon god was right; it was more than enough work for just one person.

"Alright, we'll see you in a few then" Takeru relented, giving into his brother's will.

"Come on Goldie" He said ushering the blonde along, who appeared just as hesitant to leave Tsukito to finish cleaning.

Eventually the two went on head, walking through the bustling market. It seemed busier than it had been the whole night, everyone eager to visit each booth. Carrie tried avoid bumping into people while trailing behind Takeru, but the further along they went the harder it became. The wind picked up, whirling her hair around her face. She couldn't see and when she felt someone brush against her, she jumped back only to collide with someone else. They pushed her back, making Carrie fall on to the cold stone beneath her.

"Hey Goldie! Are you okay?" Takeru shouted, rushing to her side.

"I'm fine, I just got kinda lost" She said checking her hands and knees, making sure they weren't bleeding. Maybe a scratch or two, relieved not see anything worse. A hand appeared in front of her, she traced the origins back to the sea god. Gently she grasped it with her own, and with a strong tug Carrie found herself back on her feet.

"Do you have anything for this?" He asked, brushing a finger through the strands covering her face. Carrie nodded her head 'no'. The god retracted his hand and folded his arms against his chest, thoughts swirling through his mind. When one just hit him.

"Wait right here, I'll be right back" He assured, jogging off towards one of the booths.

Carrie tried to see what he was doing, but he disappeared through the crowd even though he was just a few feet away. She tried standing on her tippy toes, but that didn't work much either. Unfortunately she just had to be patient, but fortunately she didn't have to wait long. Takeru was already jogging back to the blonde, a grin donning his face.

"Here" He said, opening his hand to reveal a hairpin. What looked-like pearls had been stringed along a gold band in the shape of a heart. It was pretty, one of the most beautiful accessories Carrie had ever seen.

"Is this for me?"

"No it's for me-Of course its for you Goldie. As a thanks for helping out with the booth all day, and a means to help you make it through this crowd"

"I can't take this" She said with a shake of her head, almost in disbelief someone would want to give her a gift.

"Sure you can, turn around so I can put it on" With that tone of his, she knew there was no point arguing. Slowly she turned her back to him and shuddered as he brushed his fingers through her hair. He pulled the strands that usually covered her face and brought them to the back of her head, fastening the clip around them. When he retracted his hands, Carrie took that as a sign he'd finished.

She turned around, immediately feeling discomfort meeting him eye to eye. Carrie felt safe behind her hair, that's the only reason she left it hang in her face. But now her defenses were down and she felt vulnerable.

"Looks good" He commented, looking at her with a critical eye.

"Thank you" She muttered, any confidence she'd gain that day missing.

"Anytime, now come on" With that he grabbed her wrist and pulled her through the crowd, careful to avoid losing her. Meanwhile Carrie felt a blush creep across her face, noticing the details of his hand. They were rough and calloused, his grip tight on her. It was strange how he had made her feel that day. For the first time in a long time she felt confident, and helpful. And beside him, she felt safe.

With Takeru full steam ahead, they cut through the crowd in no time and found themselves on the illuminated path towards the lake. By this point, Takeru released his hold on the blonde. Carrie felt relieved; at least know her heart could return to its regular rhythm. It was no longer than a few minute walk, and that's when they were able to meet with the other gods. And shortly after Tsukito arrived as well.

A relief to his brother and the blonde.

"Hi there guys" Apollon greeted enthusiastically, running over to them across the sand.

"Carrie-Carrie you're hair looks really cute like that" He praised, under his attention Carrie wished she could hide behind her locks.

From out of nowhere Apollon pulled a few paper bags from behind his back, giving one to each the new arrivals. All of whom, looked at them peculiarly. Apollon ushered them over to the other gods, each holding some kind of paper bag. The blonde god reached into his pocket to produce a lighter, and with a switch produced a flame. He lit the candle beneath the paper, creating a rosy glow amidst the paper. For a moment, he released his grip and the bag began to float.

"Isn't it amazing!Now this is what I call explosive art" He exclaimed, passing the lighter along to his classmates. And one by one their lanterns began to light up. When it came to be Carrie's turn, Takeru lit hers instead.

"What to you call these things" The sea god asked, passing the lighter along to his brother.

"They-re called…ah…watermelon gratin" Apollon answered in uncertainty.

"This book says they're called sky lanterns" Hades corrected, his face pressed against a small book.

"That's right, that's their other name" Apollon said confidently.

"So they're floating lanterns" Tsukito surmised.

"Why release them into the air" Dionysus asked, toying with his lantern.

"I'm not really sure…" The blonde god replied, just a moment before a light turned on his mind.

"I know! We'll channel our gratitude in them and send the flames to Santa, saying 'Merry Christmas', 'Merry Christmas'" He explained confidently, waving his arms around like a bird once more.

"This book says Santa is the one who gives presents" Hades corrected again.

"Yeah, you could also say that" Apollon agreed, feigning knowledge. Carrie felt something very wrong about they're information, but she not knowing herself remained silent.

Something brushed up against her palm, tickling her. When she looked beside her, she found a familiar bunny friend. One who she hadn't seen in what felt like days. The creature leapt up, nestling itself on her lap. With her free hand, Carrie gently patted the rabbit's white coat.

"There you are Usamaro" Takeru exclaimed at the sight of the rabbit.

"I wondered where he might be" Tsukito added, possibly surprised at the appearance of his companion (though hard to tell with his demeanor). Between the three of them, the rabbit hopped around and played with each individual.

Gradually more and more students appeared at the coast of the lake. Among them being Yui, arriving with the Norse gods, much to Carrie's relief. Whatever might have been bothering the brunette before seemed void, she had returned to her normal cheerful demeanor. Apollon made sure to hand everyone a lantern of their own, prior to them board the boats from the docks.

As she had all day long, Carrie stayed beside the Japanese deities, taking a seat in their dingy. Takeru and Tsukito paddled the boat to the center of the lake, leaving Carrie responsible for the ever so mischievous rabbit. They reached the center of the lake in no time, as did their fellow students. The lantern's glow reflected off their boat and onto the watery surface, anticipating the closing ceremony.

"The big event that brings our market is about to begin! Is everyone ready?!" Apollon shouted from his boat. Then with no objections, everyone released their lanterns.

Carrie loosened her grip, allowing her lantern to float away in the sky and join with the hundreds like it. The sight of a hundred lanterns amidst the lake, it was almost like they were among the stars themselves. The further and further they soared, the more Carrie leaned back to watch them in their beauty.

She was sure of it…it was the most beautiful thing she ever saw in her life.

Carrie wasn't sure how to proceed.

Master Thoth had shoved a toy on top of her books while heading to class. It was a stuffed figure, wrapped in white cloth that exposed a toothy grin.

"As a thanks" Thoth stated before continuing his way down the hall. It took a couple moments for Carrie to realize it was for the money she'd given him. She looked at the object curiously, and in a way, she thought it was cute.

But Carrie was worried.

Would Chloe be jealous?