A/N: Finally! The end! Review kudasai(please)! And thank you to everyone who has read and reviewed this fic to end. I once again apologize for not finding the remainder sooner (and for being lazy enough to just re-write it.)

Ch-15-Omisoka

-Hatori's pov-

There's just too much to do. I looked down at the desk. Many papers were all over the desk, that's the thing about Omisoka, lots and lots of cleaning. Soon I'll have to pick up Mayuko, I glanced at the clock, it was nearly three. I looked at the papers once more, I'll clean this up after I pick up Mayuko. I thought pulling on my jacket, exiting the office.

"Too much marking . . . "

"Sensei, were done cleaning the desks."

"Good,"

"Mayuko." I said looking into the classroom,

"Hatori, you're here early." I looked at the clock, it was 3:30, her class must have not finished their osoji.

"Hello Hatori-san." I looked at who spoke to me, it was the girl who was living with Shigure.

"Hello." I replied back, I noticed that I was being watched, by the girl's friends, Yuki and Kyo were also busy cleaning the floors.

"What brings you here Hatori?" I turned around to face Momiji,

"Nothing special." I replied, as Mayuko finished tidying up her desk.

After a few more minutes all the students finished the cleaning, and wished each other a good holiday and left. Mayuko and I finally left as well.

-Later that night-11:00-

"I'm glad you asked me to celebrate the new year with you, Hatori." Mayuko said in-between slurps of soba. I smiled,

"Tomorrow I have to join the rest of the family." I said, eating some of my toshikoshi-soba.

"Hey, who do you think will win the kouhaku uta gassen?" Mayuko asked,

"I'm not sure." I replied, I wasn't really into singing contests, but Mayuko loved them.

It was almost 11:45 when the singing competition finished, the programing switched to midnight celebrations. We watched as the clock struck twelve, we listened to the bells tolls. The large cast bell is suppose to ring a hundred and eight times, for all earthly desires meant to cause human suffering. I wondered if with every ring those feelings could truly be erased, could they?

"Happy new year, Hatori." Mayuko said hugging me, it was too late I couldn't get out of the way in time, as I transformed into a seahorse.

Mayuko blinked, "What do I do! Hatori! Do I put you in salt water or fresh water?" she cried,

A new year, a new beginning . . .

Japanese Terms

Osoji- Almost like spring cleaning, meant to prepare for the New Year. On December 31 (Omisoka) people spend most of the day cleaning their houses, offices, and schools.

Toshikoshi-soba- Based on the belief of eating long noodles which represent "crossing over to one year to the next" meaning "Toshikoshi," a tradition practices on Omisoka.

Kouhaku Uta Gassen- A singing competitions, where a group of popular artists or bands, break into teams (red and white), each team trying to gain the most votes with their singing.