Twilight Jewels

 

Christmas Special

 

(note:  This episode was written to fit in the sequence of the series.  There are a few more episodes that technically come before this one.  That is why some things in this episode are sort of spoilers or do not make much sense.  Just as a heads up.  Also, some of the lyrics from “The First Noel” are in this episode.  It is obviously not my work, so I want to make a note of that right from the beginning.  For the site I got the lyrics from, click here.  Enjoy reading!  ^^)

 

(It is the Christmas season.  Everyone is out shopping.  Noelle, Tsuta, and Mika, who are all dressed in winter clothing, are peaking into a window of a fancy clothing store.  Spirey is on Mika’s shoulder and is wearing a little winter hat)

Tsuta:  That’s the sweater I wanted for Christmas.  Isn’t it pretty, Noelle?

Mika:  Wow!

Spirey:  (excitedly)  Koochee!  Koochee!

Noelle:  I think I might go in there and buy it for myself!

Tsuta:  You could do that…if you had the money.

Noelle:  (turning around toward Tsuta)  Oh.  Go figure.

Tsuta: I asked my parents for it…but…you know how things have been.  (leaning against the window)  This will probably be the worst Christmas ever.  They’ve been so busy…yelling…I sometimes think they have completely forgotten that Christmas is only a couple of weeks away.

Mika:  At least you have parents.  My father has never done anything special for Christmas.  We usually just go on like it was any other day…I’ve never even had a Christmas tree before…

Spirey:  (looks down, sadly)  Koochee.

Noelle:  (shocked)  You’ve never had a Christmas tree???

Mika:  (nods her head)  No.

Noelle:  Well, then that’s what we got to do this year!  You guys are going to experience the best Christmas ever!

Spirey:  (happily)  KOOCHEE!!!!!!

Noelle:  (grabbing Mika and Tsuta’s arms)  Come on!  We’ve got a lot of shopping to do!  (starts running)

Tsuta:  Noelle!

*****************************************

(at a little restaurant grabbing a quick bite to eat)

Mika:  (takes her chopsticks and pops in a piece of sushi)  Mmmmm!  (the three girls are eating and drinking some hot cider.  Several shopping bags scatter the floor before their feet)

Tsuta:  I’m so hungry.  You really build up an appetite in a shopping spree.  (Noelle chugs down her cider.  Spirey is munching on a roll.  Niji comes in with a couple friends, Ichigo and Shinpai.)

Niji:  Hi, Noelle!

Noelle:  (turns around)  Hi, Niji.  (Ichigo and Shinpai leave to order their food)

Niji:  Are you ready for the concert next week?

Noelle:  (nods her head)  I was really surprised when Mrs. Suisho gave me a solo.  I’m kind of nervous, but I think it will be fine.

Niji:  Yeah, Mrs. Suisho gave me a solo, too.  I’ve been practicing, but I think I’ll be ready by then.

Ichigo:  Niji, come on!  We already ordered the food!

Niji:  I’m coming!  See you guys later!  (the three girls leave)

Mika:  You didn’t tell me you got a solo in the concert, Noelle.

Tsuta:  Have you been practicing?

Noelle:  (nods her head)  I was going to practice some tonight…(standing up)  Let’s go back to my house and decorate the Christmas tree.

Tsuta: (eyeing Noelle suspiciously)  Fine, fine.

****************************************

(the three girls are heading back home, bags in hands.  On their way, Daraku comes out of a shop.  He is holding his flute with an orange rag)

Daraku:  (polishing the flute)  There you go.

Tsuta:  Daraku!  (Tsuta runs up to him.  Daraku looks up)  Hey, what are you doing for Christmas?

Daraku:  What’s it to you?

Tsuta:  I was just wondering…

Daraku:  (continues polishing his flute)  Well, it’s no one’s business what I’ll be doing for Christmas but my own. (starts walking away.  Mika ducks behind Noelle)

Tsuta:  (annoyed)  Why do you have such an attitude?  (Daraku pauses)  I was only being polite!  You had no reason to treat me like that!

Daraku:  (not turning around)  Christmas is not one of my favorite holidays.  I prefer to be left alone.  (he glares up at Noelle for a second and then starts walking again)

Tsuta:  (yelling to him)  But no one should be alone for Christmas!

Noelle:  (to Tsuta)  Let him go, Tsuta.  Come on.  (Tsuta starts walking with Noelle and Mika.  She turns around and watches Daraku disappear into the crowds)

Tsuta:  (thoughts)  That must be why Daraku is so grumpy.  He’s always alone.  Poor Daraku.

******************************************

(entering Noelle’s house)

Noelle:  We’re home!

Grandmother:  (coming down the stairs)  How many times do I have to tell you not to go yelling in the house?

Noelle:  Sorry, Grandmother.  (the three girls put their bags down next to the Christmas tree.  Noelle’s Mother comes out from the kitchen)

Mother:  How was shopping?

Noelle:  We got some new ornaments for the tree.  (Noelle digs through the bag and pulls out some Christmas bulbs)

Mother:  (taking the bulbs)  These will be great!  Thank-you, Noelle.

Grandmother:  Why do we need ornaments for the tree?  It looks fine without being all dressed up.

Grandfather:  (coming in from behind)  But who wants a plain Christmas tree?

Grandmother:  I do.

Tsuta:  What’s that smell?

Mother:  The boys just finished making some gingerbread cookies.

Tsuta:  Mmmmmm!  I love gingerbread cookies!

Mika:  Me, too!

Spirey:  (agreeing)  Koochee!  (the three girls make their way to the kitchen with Noelle’s Mother, Grandmother, and Grandfather behind)

Zaisan:  They’re almost done.

Chinou:  We just have to finish decorating them.  Do you like what I’ve done so far, Tsuta?

Tsuta:  They look great, Chinou!

Noelle:  Why don’t we go put our stuff in my room and then help with the decorating?

Mika:  Sounds good to me!  (the three girls leave the room)

Grandmother:  And who will clean up this huge mess?

Grandfather:  Stop being a pessimist.  (the doorbell rings)

Mother:  (walking toward the door)  Wonder who that could be?  (Noelle’s Mother opens the door.  It’s Tsuta’s Mother and Father.  Tsuta’s father has his hands crossed behind Tsuta’s father)

T’s Mother:  Hello.  We had a big favor to ask of you.

Mother:  Yes?

T’s Mother:  You see, as you might have already heard…our marriage is going through a really difficult time.  There is this trip we were looking at that tries to put falling apart couples back together; it’s up in the Caribbean Islands.  Unfortunately, the trip is during the Christmas season and we cannot take the kids along with us.  Could they stay here for Christmas?  We would greatly appreciate it.

Mother:  You want Tsuta and Chinou to stay here for Christmas???

T’s Mother:  I know it’s a terrible time, but we’re hoping in the long run things will work out.

Mother:  Well, I do not mind at all if the kids stay here.

T’s Mother:  Thank-you so much!  Tsuta should have her house key if she needs anything.  Well, we’d better get packing.  Take care!  (she leaves, pushing T’s Father and scolding him for not saying anything.  Mother closes the door.  From above the stairs, Tsuta is standing, a grim frown on her face.  She quickly ducks away, returning to Noelle’s room)

******************************************

(last day of class before the winter break)

Taiga:  Niji, aren’t you nervous about the concert?

Niji:  Not anymore.  I’ve been practicing a lot!

Ichigo:  You should here her!  she’s really good.

Shinpai:  I can’t wait to hear you sing, Niji!  (all girls start laughing and talking)

Tsuta:  (to Noelle)  You’re not nervous at all?

Noelle:  No reason to be.

Tsuta:  But you haven’t practiced at all!

Noelle:  It’s no big deal.

Kanshin:  (easdropping)  No big deal!  I’d be nervous if I were you.  In front of all those people….

Noelle:  What do you mean “all those people?”  It’s just our parents.

Kanshin:  No way!  Our parents may be there, but so will hundreds of other people from the city.  Didn’t you see all those fliers hanging about on the streets?

Noelle:  Oh, no….

Mika:  You’ll be fine, Noelle.  Just practice some tonight…

Noelle:  (groans)  OH NO!

Tsuta:  You shouldn’t have said anything, Kanshin.

Kanshin:  But if I didn’t, she would probably have been more shocked when she saw all those people.  I was just helping.

Noelle:  GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!  (she kicks Kanshin in the face who falls onto the floor)  You’re the one making this situation worse!

Mika:  (trying to hold Noelle back)  Noelle, calm down!  Yelling will only wear out your voice!

Noelle:  GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

Mrs. Suisho:  Class, settle down.  I know this is our last day of class before winter break, but we still have class and it is my job to teach you.  (everyone is talking to each other.  Everyone is ignoring her) (sighing)  It’s such a pointless day to have school; no one ever pays attention.

Noelle:  (from the class)  I’m going to kill you, Kanshin!

Kanshin:  What did I do?  (Mrs. Suisho sighs again)

*******************************************************

(walking home from class)

Tsuta:  You’ll be fine, Noelle.  Everything will work out.

Noelle:  I should practice.  I need to work on my singing…Ooooooooooooooooooooooh

Mika:  I can help you, Noelle, if you need it.

Tsuta:  At least your family is going to be there for you Christmas.  I’d rather sing a surprise solo than have my parents away on some trip in the Caribbean Islands

Noelle:  Tsuta….

Tsuta:  And I know they didn’t do anything for me and Chinou for Christmas...I’m sorry, Noelle.  I’m just…(looking down)  I don’t know.

Noelle:  I’m sorry, too, Tsuta.  But we’ll have a great Christmas together!

Tsuta:  (nods head glumly, yet appreciatively) Yeah.  Thanks, Noelle.   (while they’re walking, Tsuta sees Daraku running into the woods from behind) Hey, I’ll catch you guys later.

Noelle:  Where are you going, Tsuta?

Tsuta:  (taking off)  Just got a couple of things I got to do.  (she leaves)

********************************

(Daraku’s cabin.  Daraku is on the roof again, playing his flute.  Tsuta comes up)

Tsuta:  You shouldn’t come here by yourself all the time.

Daraku:  (stops playing)  What do you care?

Tsuta:  (annoyed)  I care a lot!  Why else do you think I’d follow you here?

Daraku:  (standing up)  Why don’t you understand?  (looks at flute)  I like being alone.  (sits back down)

Tsuta:  But for Christmas?  (Daraku is looking up at the sky.  Tsuta walks over to the cabin)  My parents are going to be gone this Christmas.  It’s just me and my brother…my family’s falling apart.  But I can’t imagine…not having a family…(Tsuta looks at the ground.  Daraku looks down at her.  There is a brief moment of silence.  Tsuta looks at him, smiling)  Please, come join us.

Daraku:  Join you?

Tsuta:  I know you and Noelle have your…differences…but I’m sure she feels the same way.

Daraku:  (shakes his head; remembers some of the past battles he, as Dark Star, had with Nova)  No.  Noelle and I will never get along.

Tsuta:  Christmas is one of the most specialist days of the year!  Let it’s magic heal old wounds.  Stay with us for Christmas.  I’ll ask Noelle…I’m sure she’ll say yes.  You can bring your flute…you’re very good.  Everyone will love it!

Daraku:  Old wounds…(jumps from the cabin in front of Tsuta)  I’ll go.

Tsuta:  (bit surprised, but happy)  Great!  (grabs Daraku’s arm)  Let’s go!

*******************************************************

(Noelle’s house.  Noelle is upstairs singing.  Mika is watching)

Noelle:  “The first Noel!  The angels did say!  Was two certain poor shepherds in fields where they lay!”  (pauses)  I forget the rest!  (Mika hands Noelle a song sheet which Noelle quickly snatches.  Spirey is on Mika’s shoulder.  The doorbell rings as Noelle is reading it)

Zaisan:  I’ll get it!  (he opens the door.  It’s Tsuta and Daraku)  Noelle!  It’s Tsuta!  (Noelle comes down the stairs with Mika behind her)

Noelle:  Hey, Tsuta.  (pauses to see Daraku with her.  Mika cautiously backs up behind Noelle and Spirey ducks in his shell)  Daraku?!?

Tsuta:  Can you please ask your mother if Daraku can stay for Christmas?  He has no other family, Noelle, and we can’t let him spend it alone!

Noelle:  (pauses.  Worried tear drop on forehead)  Um…I…

Mika:  (leans over to her ear and whispers)  you’re really not going to say ‘yes,’ are you?  He’s Dark Star!…and what would Tsuki say if she knew?  (Noelle turns around and walks away.  Tsuta stand at the door watching her)

Daraku:  I knew this wouldn’t work.  (turns around)

Tsuta:  Please, don’t leave just yet.  (Noelle returns with her mother)

Mother:  Daraku?  (Daraku turns around)  You can stay in the boy’s room.  You are more than welcome to stay here for Christmas, or as long as you like!  (5 worried drops on Noelle’s and Mika’s forhead)

Grandmother:  (from behind)  You are way to kind,

Grandfather’s voice:  (pulling her away)  Leave them alone.

Daraku:  Thank-you, ma’am.  (looks at Noelle)  And thank-you, Noelle.  (Noelle just nods her head, smiling)

**********************************************

(Noelle’s bedroom.  Everyone is in sleeping bags.  Mika and Spirey are sound asleep.  Noelle is muttering the lyrics to “The First Noel”)

Tsuta:  Noelle?  (Noelle stops)

Noelle:  Yes?

Tsuta:  Thanks for letting Daraku stay in your house this week.  I know you guys don’t get along…that was really nice of you.

Noelle:  You’re right, Tsuta.  No one should be alone for Christmas.  Not even Daraku.

Tsuta:  (lying back down)  Are you nervous about the concert?

Noelle:  Nah.  I have all day to practice tomorrow and I’ll have come practice the day of the concert.  (yawns)  I’ll be ready.  (the two girls fall asleep)

**********************************************

(it is morning.  Tsuta wakes up.)

Tsuta:  Hmmm?  (she shockingly notices that Noelle’s sleeping bag is empty.  She crawls over to Mika and starts shaking her gently)  Mika.  Mika, wake up!  (Mika doesn’t budge.  Tsuta gives her a huge kick)  WAKE UP!

Mika and Spirey:  AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!  (Mika sits up)  What was that for?

Tsuta:  Where’s Noelle?

Mika:  (looks at empty sleeping bag and shrugs shoulders)  I have no idea.

(Tsuta and Mika run downstairs.  Spirey yawns and goes back to sleep on Mika’s pillow.)

Tsuta:  Hey, does anyone know where Noelle went?

Grandfather:  (nods head)  She said she has stuff to do all day and that she wouldn’t be back ‘til later.  That’s all I know.  She left a couple of hours ago.  (sips coffee)

Tsuta:  But she was suppose to practice singing!

Zaisain:  (from the stairs with Chinou)  Hey, does anyone know where that Daraku guy went?

Chinou:  He’s missing, too.

Grandfather:  Daraku?  I did not see him this morning.

Mika:  Daraku is gone?  (she dashes upstairs)

Tsuta:  Mika?  Where are you going?  (Mika dashes back downstairs, all dressed.  Holding in her gloves is Spirey who is still asleep)

Mika:  I got to find her.  (she runs out the door)

Tsuta:  Mika!  Wait for me!  (looks at her clothes; still in pj’s.  Tsuta grabs a jacket and runs outside anyway)

Grandmother:  (enters from the kitchen)  What’s all the commotion?

Zaisan:  Chinou, let’s go out and look for them, too.

Mother:  (just getting up)  You two are not going anywhere.  And where is everyone?

Grandmother:  (glaring at Grandfather)  That’s what I would like to know)

**************************************

(running through the streets)

Noelle:  (thoughts)  I’m glad Grandfather lent me some money.  I know I should practice, but this is more important.  (continues running through the street)  I’ll make your Christmas as special as I can, Tsuta.

Daraku’s voice from behind:  Noelle, wait!  (Noelle stops and turns around.  She is a bit shocked to see him)

Noelle:  Daraku!  Why did you follow me???

Daraku:  I know what you are doing.

Noelle:  What do you mean?

Daraku:  You’re buying a present for Tsuta, aren’t you?

Noelle:  (nods her head)  Yes.  Her parents didn’t get her anything and there was this nice sweater she wanted, but she couldn’t afford it.  I’m going to get her that sweater…

Daraku:  That’s what I thought.  Please, let me join you.

Noelle:  Join me?  (Daraku nods his head)

Daraku:  You guys have been so kind to me.  I don’t have a family on Earth…never had.  My father…my real father…contacts me now and then.  But I can never see him…Tsuta said Christmas is a time to heal old wounds.  Shall we call it a truce until after Christmas?  (holds out his hand)

Noelle:  You know it’s hard for me to trust you.

Daraku:  Likewise.

Noelle:  But you and Tsuta are right.  (holds out her hand)  It’s a truce.  (they shake)

Daraku:  Well, we’d better get to that store before they sell out of it.

Noelle:  (smiling)  Right!

*************************************

(Mika and Tsuta are wondering the streets)

Mika:  (running; thoughts)  Noelle, where ARE you????????

Tsuta:  Mika, let’s go this way.

Mika:  Right.  (they continue running)

******************************************

(at the sweater shop)

Noelle:  There it is!  (picks up a sweater)  Wait…

Daraku:  What is it?

Noelle:  I don’t think this was the right color…It was a darker shade of blue…(starts searching through the sweaters)

Worker Lady:  Can I help you?

Noelle:  (holding out sweater)  We saw this sweater the other day, but it was a darker shade of blue.  Do you have any more?

Worker Lady:  I do not know, but I can check the back room.  (she takes the sweater and leaves)

Daraku:  Noelle…did you see how much that costs?  (Noelle picks up the price tag.  It’s a huge price)

Noelle:  Woah!  I didn’t think it would be that much!

Daraku:  I can help.

Noelle:  (looks at him)   Hmmm?  (Daraku holds a wad of money)  Daraku, how did you get all that???

Daraku:  My flute.  I do performances and I get paid.  I was trying to use it for food….and for a new way of defeating you…I mean Nova…but since it’s the season to be caring, I think Tsuta deserves it more.

Noelle:  Well, not for trying to defeat Nova anyway.  (the two smile.  The worker lady returns with the sweater.)

Worker Lady:  I’m sorry, we don’t have anymore sweaters that are dark blue.  (hands Noelle back her sweater.  She leaves.  Noelle’s face drops)

Noelle:  Well, maybe we won’t be getting her a sweater after all.  None of the other colors look good….(picks up a brown one, gives a disgusted face, and drops it back)

Daraku:  Hey…(starts walking over to something)

Noelle:  Hmmm?  (she follows him.  Daraku is standing in front of a manikin that is wearing the dark blue sweater Tsuta had wanted)  That’s the sweater!

Daraku:  It’s torn.  (he points to one of the sleeves)

Noelle:  (disappointed)  Oh.

Old Woman:  Are you looking for that sweater?

Noelle:  (turns around)  Um, yes.

Old Woman:  I bought that sweater the other day for my granddaughter, but I looked at the tag and I got the wrong size.  (holds up a blue sweater)

Noelle:  We’ll buy it from you, in full!  (pauses)  That is, if you don’t need it…

Old Woman:  (smiling)  It’s almost Christmas…I don’t mind at all!  (Noelle and Daraku smile happily)

****************************************

(Noelle and Daraku are walking back home.  Both have bags in their hands.)

Noelle:  Today has actually been quite fun.

Daraku:  (nods head)  It’s nice to be in the city now and then.  (as the two are walking, Mika spots them)

Mika:  There you are!  (Mika runs up to them)

Noelle:  (surprised)  Mika?

Mika:  I’ve been looking for you ALL morning!!!!!  (Tsuta comes up from behind Mika and joins them)  we went to restaurants and stores and all over the streets…are you ok, Noelle?

Tsuta:  Why are you so worried, Mika?  She just went out to do some Christmas shopping.  (eyeing Noelle)  Probably for us!

Mika:  (blushing embarrassedly)  Oh.

Daraku:  Now that we’re all together, let’s go get some hot cocoa before we go back to Noelle’s house.  My treat.

Noelle:  Sounds like a good plan to me.

Mika:  Yah!

Spirey:  Koochee, Koochee!

***********************************

(A Christmas song is playing in the background.  Everyone is around the Christmas tree, decorating it.  Spirey has a little bulb in his mouth that he is trying to put on a branch.  Noelle is slipping some of the gifts under the tree.  Tsuta is putting up some garland on one side of the tree while Daraku is putting garland up on the other side.  Mika is putting up ornaments and so are Zaisan and Chinou.  Noelle’s mother comes in with a plate of cookies, Noelle’s Grandmother is behind her.  Noelle’s Grandfather is up on a ladder putting up the star on the tree.  Everyone is cheerful and in peace)

*********************************

(next day; night of the concert.  Noelle is all dressed up in a Santa suit.  She is a bit nervous.  There is another group onstage singing a Christmas song)

Kanshin:  Look at all those people.  (he is kicked from behind.  Kanshin’s face squints up.  He turns around to see Noelle)

Tsuta:  Don’t do that again, Kanshin, ok?  I can kick pretty good too, you know.  (Noelle smiles.  The crowd claps loudly as the curtain closes.  Mrs. Suisho comes running in)

Mrs. Suisho:  (franticly)  Places everyone!  We only have a couple of minutes…(to Noelle and Niji)  You girls ready?

Noelle and Niji:  (nod their heads)  Yes.

Mrs. Suisho:  Good, good.  Come one everyone!  Let’s go!  (she leaves)

Niji:  Good luck, Noelle.

Noelle:  Same to you, Niji.  (they run on stage and get into their places.  The curtain opens and the crowd gives a clap.  Mrs. Suisho comes to the microphone.)

Mrs. Suisho:  Merry Christmas to everyone!  My name is Mrs. Suisho and my 4th grade class will be singing the song “The First Noel.”  Thank-you, and enjoy.  (the crowd claps again as Mrs. Suisho steps away and looks toward the students.  Noelle makes her way to the microphone.  She is a bit nervous, but takes in a deep breath and starts to sing.)

Noelle:  “The first Noel!  The angels did say!  Was two certain poor shepherds in fields where they lay!

In fields where they, lay keeping their sheep. On a cold winter's night that was so deep  (everyone sings the chorus.  While Niji sings the next verse, her solo, the scene chances from the concert to the girls all snuggles into their sleeping bags, resting peacefully.  Then the boys, also sleeping in their bags peacefully.  Especially Daraku.  Next, Nova is outside Christmas Eve holding four blankets.  Her Butterjewels come up to her.  She gives each one a blanket, which matches the color for each Butterjewel.  While doing this, Tsuki come up with her Unijewel.  The two girls smile at each other underneath the night sky while the Jewels glow brightly through the darkness.  Nova hands Tsuki a present.  Tsuki opens it.  It’s a gold bracelet with a little unicorn charm on it.  Tsuki smiles, but then her smile turns into a frown.  She looks at the bracelet, embarrassed that she didn’t get Nova anything.)

Nova:  (smiling at her)  I hope you will find who you’re real self is someday.  The bracelet is suppose to give you luck.

Tsuki:  Thank-you, Nova.

*********************************************

(it is Christmas morning.  Tsuta is opening her present)

Tsuta:  My sweater!  Noelle, you’re the greatest!

Noelle:  Daraku helped.

Tsuta:  Daraku!  (she gives him a big hug.  He loses his balance and the two fall over.  Mika is in the other room on the phone)

Mika:  Merry Christmas, Klora!  Yes…I’m having a good time.  I got your Christmas present in the mail.  Did you get yours?  (pause)  Great!  Thank-you, Klara.  Say “hi” to Sharno and Father for me.  Merry Christmas!  (hangs up phone and joins the others under the tree.)

Noelle:  (holding up a new shirt)  Oh, wow!  (Daraku looks around and notices a little present under the tree.  The tag reads:  To: Daraku

                                            From: Noelle.

Daraku opens the present.  It’s a picture of the night sky.  The picture is in a frame.  At the bottom of the frame are the words carved “Home.”  Daraku looks up at Noelle who just smiles at him.  The family is still exchanging presents and laughing merrily.  At the end of the episode, there is a scene of a wreath.  One side of the wreath is being held by the red Butterjewel.  The other side of the wreath is being held by Tsuki’s Unijewel.  In the middle of the wreath is Nova on the left, Mika in the middle, and Tsuki on the right; all of them are wearing Santa hats.  Spirey is on top of the wreath and Dark Star is engraved in the background.  Below the wreath reads “Merry Christmas!”)

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!  ^^~

 

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