Feower and the Holiday Miracle
The children of Stardust Town are overjoyed when gifts arrive from the Suo family, calling the surprise a "holiday miracle." Feower is chosen to visit the Suo family to thank them on everyone's behalf, but complains when he sees the outfit he is to wear, hurting the feelings of his younger siblings who had prepared it for him. Feower goes to sleep guilty, and dreams of his older siblings who have passed. After receiving words of encouragement from them, he awakens the next morning to put on the new outfit and apologize to his family.
It all began one day when a gigantic tree and an extensive amount of sweets were suddenly sent to Stardust Town.
Lively Jill: That's a huge tree! The Suo family always finds the coolest things. Maybe we could put it in the middle of the town?
Feower: I can't believe they'd send us something this big without even asking first...
Vyrn: Hey, surprises can be nice too! Your siblings look really happy.
Sunny Scott: We got presents, plus (Captain) and the crew are here for a visit... That's a lot of holiday miracles!
Vyrn: Holiday miracle? What's that?
The holiday here is still a few days off anyway.
Mature Mia: Don't you know? Whenever something nice happens around the holy night, it's called a "holiday miracle"!
Lively Jill: Yeah! It doesn't have to be right on the day. We just focus on the things that make us happy, no matter how small they are.
Lively Jill: Being grateful for things helps put a smile on everyone's face and brightens up the season!
Vyrn: I getcha! Yeah, that way the whole season feels fun!
Feower: I think it's all rubbish. The holy night's just a concept. How could it make miracles happen itself? Moreover...
Vyrn: Oh, quit it! Let yourself enjoy things already, will ya?
Tien: I brought some freshly baked cookies—they should've cooled down enough for eating.
But you don't need any holiday miracles, right, Feower?
Feower: Wha!
Lyria: Wow! They smell divine!
Tien: We all made these cookies as practice for the upcoming winter celebration. There's plenty to go around, so help yourselves.
Tien: We wrapped each cookie up nicely so you can eat them whenever.
Mm... You too, Feower.
Feower: Thanks, Tien!
Thanks for making these, everyone!
Vyrn: Lucky you got some too, huh?
Feower: Sounds like Vyrn won't be needing any. It's almost time for lunch anyway.
Vyrn: Hey, I never said that! Gimme some!
Feower: Huh! Why do I have to go into the mafia's den... to say thanks? Why me?
Deciding that a word of gratitude is needed for the numerous gifts from the Suo family, the children of Stardust Town nominate a representative.
Lively Jill: Your attitude isn't the best when it comes to the Suo family, and that might actually work better.
Mature Mia: Exactly! The Suo family's helped us out with a ton of stuff, you know.
Sunny Scott: It'll definitely give them a surprise if you go, Feower. I'm sure they'll be happy!
Feower: Sigh. I don't think I have a choice here...
Feower: Oh, right. Would you three be willing to join me?
Lyria: You mean us?
Lyria: Hmm, I guess it'll be easier to get through if you have friends going with you.
Tien: Would that be all right, (Captain)?
- Sure!
Choose: Sure!Lively Jill: Thank you! In that case, we'll need to start getting things ready!
Mature Mia: Look, Feower! Since you're paying the Suo family a visit, we thought you might need to dress up a bit. So we got this for you!
Feower: Huh? What on... Why does it look like something the mafia would wear!
Lively Jill: Huh?
Feower: Ah... I get it now. This was all prepared by that eternal clown of a leader, wasn't it?
Feower: There's no one else who'd even think of this sort of distasteful harassment.
Feower: Despicable! I'd never dress myself up like a gangster!
Mature Mia: ...!
That's so mean... Why would you say that? After we went through all that trouble!
Lively Jill: We all talked over it and agreed that this would look really good on you... How could you, Feower!
Feower: ...
What?
Feower sits by himself late in the evening, reflecting on the day's events. He stares at the precious cookie in his hand and takes a bite, savoring it.
Feower: Augh... I went overboard again... Sigh. I should apologize first thing in the morning.
That night, he has a dream.
Feower's Voice: This feels strange... I must be dreaming.
Sunny Scott: Waaah, Feower's so mean!
Lively Jill: But we chose it for you...
Feower's Voice: Ugh... I hurt the feelings of my siblings, even though I'm supposed to protect them. What am I doing!
Little Logan: Sniff... Do you hate us, Feower?
Feower's Voice: Wha! Why would I...
Sunny Scott: Maybe he does... Maybe all this time, he never liked us...
Little Logan: Feower...
Waaah! Mooom! I don't want Feower... He's scary. I want my mom!
Feower's Voice: ...!
Feower: Pant, pant... Damn it! What a horrible dream!
Feower: Not only did it remind me of what I did wrong... I had to see my siblings cry for their parents. That hurts...
It is an unspoken problem that constantly hangs over Tien and Feower.
Feower: It's natural our younger siblings miss their parents... and neither Tien nor I can fill that void for them.
Unable to find an answer, Feower eventually drifts back to sleep, the pang in his heart quiet but constant.
Feower's Voice: This dream again? Is it going to keep torturing me with what's already past?
Feower's Voice: No... I should be watching. I need to make sure I don't commit the same mistake again.
Woman's Voice: Oh, Feower. Did the words come straight out of your mouth again?
Man's Voice: You know it's a one-way from your brain to your tongue whenever you get emotional. We told you to be careful.
Woman's Voice: Oh, Feower. Did you speak off the cuff again?
Man's Voice: You know it's a one-way from your brain to your tongue whenever you get emotional. We told you to be careful.
Feower feels two people approaching from behind, putting their hands on his shoulders. Their whispers reach his ears.
Feower: Huh? How... Aren't you...
The voices belong to his older siblings from the distant past. While not related by blood, they gave their lives to protect Feower and the other children.
Older Sister: It's all right, Feower. You and Tien are doing just fine.
Older Brother: It was tough for us too, you know. Not being able to take the place of our siblings' parents.
Older Brother: But obsessing over that doesn't change it. So we said to ourselves, we'll just love them even more than a parent and protect them no matter what.
Older Sister: Yep. I don't know if that got across to everyone, but I can tell it did to you and Tien.
Older Sister: Because... Well, look.
Mature Mia: What should we do? We made Feower upset...
Lively Jill: Yeah... We should've chosen it together with him, since he's the one wearing it.
Feower: Huh? That's not what I heard them say earlier...
Sunny Scott: We've gotta apologize to Feower. We didn't mean to make him angry.
Little Logan: I'll say sowwy too! I wove Feower a wot!
Feower: Huh? No, stop that! There's nothing any of you need to apologize for!
But his cries never reach his siblings.
Older Sister: Hehe. All of our siblings are so wonderful. Wouldn't you agree?
Older Brother: Be a sport and apologize tomorrow, okay? I know you can.
Feower: Of course... I'll do just that. I promise!
Feower spins around, eager to face his dear siblings, but they are nowhere to be seen. Beads of light remain, twinkling in the air.
Feower: ...
It was all a dream. A strange but... pleasant dream. Is this another one of those holiday miracles?
Feower: No way. The dream was probably from...
As he ponders about his curious visions from the night, his eyes fall on the outfit his siblings had prepared for him.
Feower: Well, I've got more important things to worry about.
Feower: Erm... Hey, everyone. Can I have a bit of your time?
Lively Jill: Huh? Feower! You put it on!
Little Logan: Feower! You look so cool!
Feower: Um...
Mature Mia: It's okay, you don't have to explain! We get it just from seeing you wear the outfit!
Feower: ...
Haha. You've all got a good head on your shoulders, that's for sure.
Feower: Still, let me say this properly. Some things do need to be said out loud while you still can, after all.
Feower: You all took the time to pick this out for me, and I said such mean things to you without even thinking. I'm sorry.
Feower: For any gift from you to me, I'm more than glad to wear it. Thanks, everyone.
Lively Jill: Ahaha! Changed your tune, huh!
Lyria: Hehe. I'm glad they were able to make up so fast!
Tien: Mm...
As impulsive as her younger brother may be at times, still he never fails to see the true importance of things and face them head-on.
That is what all of his siblings love him so dearly for...
And Tien can only hope that Feower will come to know that about himself as well.
Feower and the Meaning of a Gift
Feower, (Captain), and company pay Rei a visit the day before the holy night. The Eternal thanks Rei for the gifts, handing her a bouquet that his siblings had picked but with no particular thought or words from Feower himself. Rei and Asha wait for him to continue, but Feower misunderstands their silence as rejection of the gift and impatiently snatches the flowers back before storming out of the room.
The day before the holy night, Feower puts on the suit he received once more to pay a visit to the Suo family.
Sunny Scott: Yup, still looking great! You're all ready to go!
Mature Mia: Wait! You can't just go visit someone empty-handed.
Lively Jill: That's true. We should send you with a small gift... What do you think would be good?
Feower: It's fine. I can probably find something to bring along the way.
Sunny Scott: Oh yeah, Tien was saying how these flowers might be good as a present!
Mature Mia: Ooh, they smell great! The violet color's really elegant too—they'll make a nice gift for sure!
Lively Jill: Purple's the color of royalty, so it's perfect! Does this type of flower have some kind of meaning?
Feower: (Look at them picking the perfect gift for other people... They've really grown.)
Vyrn: Hey, it's good to see ya bein' such a good sport about all this, Feower!
Lyria: Yeah! I'm sure it'll be a great time there. Let's enjoy the party!
Feower: Well, if I actually had a choice, I wouldn't be going.
Feower: But... there is something I want to settle while I'm there.
Vyrn: Yeah?
When Feower makes to leave—a dispassionate expression painted across his face—the crew follows suit, departing for the Suo family's estate.
Vyrn: That's a lotta people! The Suo family's gonna be busy for all three days.
Lyria: So many people and so much food!
Oh, that meat over there looks like it's just finished cooking!
Feower: ...
I'd suggest you finish up what's on your plate first.
Feower: Mafia parties sure are unnecessarily extravagant.
Feower: It's hard to relax when there's people from the mafia lurking in every corner.
Lyria: Nom... Really?
Lyria: It's true there're a lot of people, but I don't think they're scary like the Magasin.
Vyrn: They're all waitin' to greet Rei, aren't they? I wonder when our turn's gonna be.
Asha: Thank you for your patience. Allow me to show you the way to Mama—if you'll follow me.
Lyria: Hello, Asha!
Feower: Apologies for imposing at such a busy time. We won't be staying long, so we'll be on our way once we've finished what we are here to do.
Vyrn: Oof... Here's to hopin' this doesn't go how I think it will...
Rei: Thank you for coming, everyone. I'm so happy to see you again.
Feower: It has been a while. Thank you very much for the generous amount of gifts you've sent to Stardust Town.
Rei: Were the children happy with them?
Feower: Of course. My siblings had never seen such a tree that big in their lives, so they were quite excited.
Rei: I'm glad to hear. And how about yourself and Tien?
Feower: ...
As were we. Though both my sister and myself have been rather occupied with getting the decorations up.
Feower: Actually, there is something I'd like to ask. Have you perhaps been meddling with any dreams lately?
Rei: Meddling with dreams?
Vyrn: What're you talkin' about? Is that what you meant earlier about settlin' something?
Feower: More or less.
But Rei shakes her head quietly, a smile playing on her lips.
Rei: Hehe. I did say I would look after you, but never in such an uncouth manner.
Feower: I see...
Rei: Mayhaps it was a holiday miracle of sorts?
Feower: Who knows... It's hard to say.
I'd hate to take up any more of your time, so we'll take our leave here. Thank you for having us today.
Feower turns to leave, but pauses when a rustling sound reminds him of the bouquet still in his hands.
Feower: Ah...
Feower: This is for you.
Rei: Oh my.
With a surprised look on her face, Rei warmly accepts the bouquet.
Rei: What a beautiful purple. Yet...
Holding back her words, Rei gazes at Feower through her closed eyes, as if waiting for him to say something more.
Feower: (What is it? What is she hesitating for? I don't think I said anything particularly strange...)
Feower: (I see... That's how it is. These tiny flowers don't cut it for her...)
Asha: Tch!
Seeing Feower's confusion, Asha grows irritated. She speaks up, unable to stand watching any longer.
Asha: Feower. Why did you think to present these flowers to Mama?
Feower: Huh?
Asha: I'm asking for the reason you chose these flowers. Answer me.
Feower: (I can't answer that... I didn't even choose these flowers myself.)
Feower: ...
Asha: Sigh... Look at you! You can't even try to keep up appearances!
Rei: Hehe. Feower is simply being himself.
Feower: Just tell me what you're trying to say! If you don't like the flowers, then say so! I'll take these back with me!
Rei: Oh dear...
Asha: Wha... Why, you!
Feower forcefully snatches the bouquet back from Rei and begins to stalk away.
Vyrn: Hey, Feower! Wait for us!
Lyria: Oh no! Um, we'll see you next time!
Rei: It's too bad... I would've liked to keep them.
Asha: He doesn't get it!
Asha: We receive multitudes of flowers as gifts.
Asha: But how could he gift something with no thought behind it? The absolute nerve!
Asha: How dare he disappoint Mama like that...
Rei: That's not quite right, Asha.
Rei: It had someone's thoughts behind it. I don't doubt that.
Asha: Mama...
Feower and the Meaning of a Gift: Scene 2
When Feower and company exit the estate, they are ambushed by members from a rival mafia who hope to take down the Suo family. Feower easily fends them off, but Rei eventually comes to wipe out the rest of the enemy group. Annoyed that a mafia member would fight for an Eternal such as himself, he mutters his insincere thanks and turns to leave. Just then, the hem of his new jacket becomes entangled on a branch and rips.
Vyrn: Oh boy. You still really don't get along well with the Suo family, huh?
Feower: Hmph. My siblings did their best putting the bouquet together, and she acted like it was nothing.
Feower: If she didn't want it, she could've just said so from the beginning and saved us both our time.
Feower: Let's go home. Thank you for coming all the way here with me.
Vyrn: Well... I guess you did thank her for the gifts like you came here to do. You did your best.
The air outside helps Feower calm down and clear his head—until suddenly, someone approaches the group.
Mafia Member: Hey. Were you lot invited to the Suo family's party?
Vyrn: Huh? Who're you guys?
Mafia Member: I have to say, I'm surprised to see kids coming in and out of the estate.
Feower: Tch. You're from some worthless rival mafia, aren't you?
Lyria: Huh?
Mafia Member: How'd you know? Aha—you gotta be part of the Suo family.
Feower: Wha? Don't joke with me! If we look like mafia to you, then I'll do you a favor and rip your good-for-nothing eyeballs out!
Mafia Member: Meh, I don't care what you are exactly. What's important here is...
Mafia Member: Whether you'd make good enough hostages to take down the Suo family!
Several members of the rival mafia leap at the crew in an attempt to capture them.
Feower: Damn it! This is why I hate the mafia...
Everyone get behind me, please.
Lyria: Feower!
Feower: There's no need for you to even bother with this riffraff, (Captain). I'll clean it up here.
Feower: Hraaah!
Despite the difference in number, the mafia members are no match for Feower. A single blow is enough to send almost all of them sprawling.
Mafia Member: What's with... this kid...
Doesn't matter. I'll take this one with me!
Lyria: Eek!
The gangster suddenly makes a lunge for Lyria.
Rei: It certainly is lively tonight. But I'm afraid the party does not extend to outside our premises.
Mafia Member: Hey, you're... Rei, the head of the Suos!
Mafia Member: Heh heh, nice of you to save us some time!
Feower: Fool! Why did you come out here? This is nothing for you to have to make an appearance yourself. Now get back inside!
Rei: Hehe. You are a kind one, Feower. But the precious gift you received will end up dirty at this rate.
Feower: What?
You mean... this suit. How did you know I got this as a gift?
Rei: Hehe.
Rei: Well then... I believe this is my territory. Any violence toward my guests is intolerable—you will have to go.
Feower: H-hey!
Mafia's Voice: Gaaah!
Feower: I'm an Eternal! The strongest in the skies! I don't need you to watch my back for me...
Feower: Damn it all! Can't believe I'm letting someone from the mafia...
Feower: The mafia... No. Wait...
Rei's figure before him is small—and yet, in Feower's eyes, she looms larger than life.
The thought seizes Feower, leaving a deep impression on him.
Rei: It's over. Is anyone hurt?
Lyria: We're fine! Thank you, Rei!
Vyrn: Impressive as always!
Rei: What about you, Feower? Are your clothes all right?
Feower: Yes. All thanks to you.
But things take a slightly different turn.
Feower: We've overstayed our visit. It's time we made our way back—
Feower: Oh.
Vyrn & Lyria: Oh!
In his hurry to leave, Feower has turned on his heel—and caught his jacket on a tree branch, tearing it a fine new hole.
Feower and the Meaning of a Gift: Scene 3
Rei patches up Feower's jacket in a motherly fashion as she tries to engage him in conversation. At first the Eternal maintains a rebellious attitude; however, he remembers his earlier mistakes and changes his behavior. He presents Rei with something small—this time, with earnest gratitude. Rei is delighted, declaring it a holiday miracle. When Feower and the others make to return home, Asha sends them off with additional gifts from Rei. Feower grumbles at the fact that he will have to come back to thank Rei once again, but (Captain) and company know his words are simply to hide his embarrassment.
Vyrn: Hngh... Snore...
Lyria: Zzz...
After their scuffle with the rival mafia, (Captain) and company have returned to Rei's estate.
Vyrn and Lyria are soon fast asleep, thoroughly exhausted and comforted by the warmth of the crackling fire.
Feower: I'd like to go home soon, if possible.
Rei: Surely you can't return with your gift shredded like this?
Feower: ...
May I borrow your sewing kit then? I can patch it up myself.
Rei: Hehe, it's fine. I'm happy to help.
Feower shifts uncomfortably at the hint of what may be delight in Rei's voice.
Rei: It's been a while since I've gotten to act like a mother, sewing or otherwise.
Feower: (You aren't my mother!)
But he holds back, watching quietly as Rei continues with the sewing.
Eventually, the room settles into a comfortable atmosphere.
Rei: How are things recently?
Feower: What?
Oh, you mean Stardust Town. Things continue as usual.
Feower: Thanks to your help, the town's done rebuilding, and there's even a fancy tree in the middle of it now.
Feower: Small arguments come up here and there, but overall, my siblings seem like they're having a good time. There's going to be a feast tomorrow for the holy night.
Feower: But I'm sure you knew that much already.
Rei: I'm glad that the town is doing so well. But that's not what I was asking about.
Feower: Excuse me?
Rei: What I wanted to know was how you're doing, Feower.
Feower: I don't see the point in asking about me.
Rei: Oh my. Still in your rebellious phase, I see.
Feower: Again, you put on that motherly facade!
Feower: Enough! Can we go home already, (Captain)?
But (Captain) smiles, politely turning Feower down with a small shake of the head.
Feower: Ergh!
Feower: (What are we doing here? I'm drained!)
Feower: (There's some weird itchy feeling in my back... I swear I'm going crazy!)
Feower: (I've been feeling it ever since Rei came out to cover for us...)
Feower: (Rei's part of the mafia. I let the mafia defend me!)
The Eternal continues to glare at Rei.
Feower: Huh? Wait, you're not sewing anymore.
Rei: Well, yes. Because I'm finished.
Feower: Wha? If you're done then tell me sooner!
Feower: What did I sit here so long for!
Come on, (Captain). Let's get going!
The moment Feower leaps to his feet, however, memories flood his mind.
Lively Jill: Your attitude isn't the best when it comes to the Suo family, and that might actually work better.
Mature Mia: Exactly! The Suo family's helped us out with a ton of stuff, you know.
Sunny Scott: It'll definitely give them a surprise if you go, Feower. I'm sure they'll be happy!
Feower: Hang on... I came here on behalf of everyone in Stardust Town.
Feower: My attitude... That's right.
Older Sister: Oh, Feower. Did you speak off the cuff again?
Older Brother: You know it's a one-way from your brain to your tongue whenever you get emotional. We told you to be careful.
Feower: (Oh yeah... It was only recently that I ran my mouth and ended up hurting my siblings. I told myself I wouldn't do it again.)
Feower: ...
Just then, he hears a small rustle in the pocket of his suit.
Feower: Oh. I forgot I brought it with me.
Feower had very sparingly eaten the cookies from his siblings, savoring each bite, until only a single cookie remained.
He takes the last cookie and offers it to Rei.
Rei: What is this?
Feower: A homemade cookie that my siblings did their best to make. This is the last one.
Rei: ...
But that's something precious to you, isn't it?
Feower: Yes. That's why... I'd like you to have it.
Rei: ...!
Feower: I was supposed to come express my thanks, but my attitude wasn't great... I think.
Feower: I wouldn't be happy either if someone gave me a gift that had no thought behind it.
Rei: Thank you... I'm thrilled to receive this. Oh, I know—shall we split this between the three of us?
Feower: We shan't!
Rei: Hehe. This, too, is a holiday miracle.
Feower: Anyway... please take this too.
Feower hands Rei the slightly battered bouquet of flowers.
Feower: I don't know much about flowers. This was something my siblings told me to bring, so it held no particular meaning for me at first.
Feower: But Tien and my younger siblings wanted me to bring them because they thought you'd like them.
Feower: They mentioned something about what these flowers mean, but I already forgot. What else...
Feower: They said purple would suit you since it's the color of royalty. And... I kind of don't... disagree.
Rei: I'm overjoyed.
Feower: Ahem... Will you accept this bouquet?
Rei: Thank you, Feower. I'm looking forward to decorating my home with it.
Rei receives the bouquet with a genuine smile on her face.
Her kindness touches Feower, and he feels a hint of warmth in his heart.
Feower: If you'll excuse us then.
Although there is still a long way to go, nevertheless, Feower has taken a step toward reconciling with his own emotions.
Lyria: Yaaawn. The room was so cozy and warm, I ended up taking a long nap!
Vyrn: Me too...
Vyrn: Hm? You're lookin' somewhat refreshed, Feower. Didja take a nap too?
Feower: No way I could snuggle up and fall asleep in the mafia's den. Don't be ridiculous.
Asha: Ah, I'm glad you're still here.
Lyria: Oh, Asha! Is something the matter?
Asha: Please take this home with you. It's a gift from Mama.
Feower: Huh... What's all this?
Vyrn: That's a lotta meat and veggies! How come you're givin' us so much?
Asha: You told Mama that Stardust Town is holding a feast tomorrow, didn't you? She wanted to help.
Asha: I'm sure these would be perfect for a hot pot.
Feower: ...
Thank you.
Asha: Since Mama seemed happy, I'll let your insolence slide just this time. There won't be a next though.
Asha: Take care.
Feower: ...
Lyria: Isn't this wonderful, Feower? They gave us so many fresh ingredients!
Feower: Good grief. Now I'll have to come back to thank them all over again.
- I can come with you again.
Choose: I can come with you again.Vyrn: I wouldn't mind either!
Feower: Ugh... No need to bother! I'll make sure Tien goes next time!
Feower protests, but his feeble attempt at disguising his embarrassment is clear.
His voice echoes across the winter sky as the stars above them shine on, welcoming in the holy night.