Ever since Phoenix had disappeared, The honor guard had tirelessly spent every hour of the day looking for him. Six months he had been missing. Eventually Suki joined their search. She had gotten over her heart break and was over Phoenix, but he was still her friend. And she never gave up on a friend. But no one had searched harder than Takara, Tatami, and Amara. They needed him back more than ever. There were only five floors left now, and each boss was getting harder and harder. And the main guilds were losing more players the higher they went. They needed an ace back in the fold.

But it was Christmas time now, on every floor it snowed, Christmas trees were in every house and building, there were even gifts under the trees. It was the one season where they decided to stop looking for Phoenix, and relax. Mono during the holidays had re-found her love for ice skating, and had gotten Amara to make everyone a pair of ice skates. Suki and Tatami had tirelessly decorated the cabin, Takara had become the new Phoenix in the kitchen, finding out perfect recipes, for Christmas pudding, gingerbread men, and perfect roast ham.

Amara as the Guild official weapon smith had created elite amour, and weapons for everyone. And she had helped everyone construct specific presents for each other. Tem had focused on spreading cheer everywhere, making simple presents and delivering them to less fortunate players.

All of them had spent the holiday so far having fun and preparing for the special Christmas boss. On Christmas Eve at six o'clock on the dot, there would be a special boss that would challenge a single player to fight in Spawn city. I would drop a very expensive item. A memory wipe stone. It had a single use, and it could take away painful memories. And it was worth three million gold. Apart from the season's prep they had been waiting for that fight, it would be one hell of a spectacle.

It was Christmas Eve and the Entire guild was circled around the Christmas tree. Each of them with a cup of hot chocolate. They were just about to open their presents. Amara gave hers out first. She had given everyone small bracelets that expanded into metre wide circular shields. Tem had gotten everyone a full playlist of their favourite Christmas songs. Mono had gotten everyone protection runes, they could deflect up to two incoming projectiles at a time. Takara had made giant gobstoppers that changed flavour every five minutes. And Tatami had gotten photos and footage of the funniest moments from the year and made a funny montage for everyone. There were some presents under the tree for Phoenix, but he wasn't there.

Once they were done Tem went scurrying under the tree, and suddenly gave out a small scream. "What's wrong?" Mono asked, pulling her from out under the tree. She was clasping a small present in her hands. "It's from Phoenix." She said excitedly. "What?" Takara cried nearly spilling het hot chocolate. "It's to all of us." Tem said slowly unwrapping it. "It's a holo-corder." Suki said excitedly. Tem pressed the play button on its side of the small box. Thirty centimetre tall hologram of Phoenix popped up in front of them.

"Hey guys." He said waving. "So yeah, I know, six months, I've been lying low, helping people, killing monsters, and trying to forget." He said looking around at them. "I know you've been looking for me, but I need to forget what happened." "I know you've all been looking for me, and forgiven me, but I have not forgiven myself, so tonight, I'm hoping to be chosen as the lucky fighter to challenge the Santa boss, and if I win, then I can come back, forget my sins and hopefully I'll see you soon." The hologram said winking out. Amara immediately flicked the television to the spawn city match. Hoping that Phoenix would be chosen.

Back in Spawn city it was six o'clock. The boss had dropped in front of the giant Pine tree in the centre of the city. It was a giant zombified Santa clause. "I call upon Phoenix, the haunted warrior." He boomed. There was a loud boom and a black blur shot through the city, and stopped inside the portal, just as it closed behind him. "So you are the warrior who wishes to forget." It said sadly. "Yes, now will you give it willingly, or do I have to take it?" Phoenix said. The boss began laughing. And as it did it shrunk, into a stereotypical Santa. "I want to give it to you, for you will use it, but we must fight." He said a green and red sword appearing in his hand, and swung for Phoenixes throat. Quick as lightning Phoenix grabbed his own sword and swinging with complete precision he sliced right through Santa's sword. But he just made another one. They fought for hours, there was magic, swearing, and the quick non-stop clash of swords.

Phoenix needed to beat him, but he was too faster. "Come on, I gotta go faster." He yelled, his sword was untraceable to any on lookers. He had to beat him, he needed to forget, to be happy, to be with his friends again, to be whole again, and to get a second chance. Then he became very calm, he could do this, he just needed to be that little bit faster and stronger. "Eternal flame." Phoenix shouted. A fiery aura surrounded him, and strength flowed through him. "Well, it was a good fight." Phoenix said taking a final stab. It shattered the sword and went right through Santa's chest. The barriers collapsed and Phoenix left as quickly as he'd came.

Twenty minutes later phoenix was standing outside The Honour Guard House. He had the item in his hand. He had selected the memories he wanted to remove, and knew this was the best possible choice. He stared at the little blue bottle in his hand. This was the instrument of his ascension, with this he would become human again, and he would be himself again. Slowly he pressed the flask to his lips and drank deeply. It tasted like lemon lime and bitters, and slowly he felt dizzy, but he felt the memories slowly fall away. And in his entire life he had never felt so happy.

The guild, Takara and Tatami sat anxiously. They had seen the entire fight on their holo-tv. It was quite the fight, and then he'd used that new spell, it was awesome. Then there was a knock at the door. Tatami was the first one up and hesitating, she slowly grabbed the door knob. And opened the door. And before her she saw a smiling figure before her. "Phoenix." She cried, tackling him, causing phoenix stumbled back surprised at the force of the hug. "Well someone certainly missed me." Phoenix chuckled. "Six months you dummy." She cried hugging him even tighter. But realising she probably should let go she stepped back and let Phoenix become reacquainted with his own friends. They had prepared presents, food and games. It was a regular Christmas just like in the real world. Tatami throughout the entire evening watched him and smiled. She knew she liked him allot. And now he was back, they had their ace back, and things could finally go back to normal.