"Fushigi Christmas" By David Myers A Fushigi Yuugi Fanfic Disclaimer: Fushigi Yuugi characters belong to Watase Yuu. This is a non profit story and is not supposed to infringe upon those rights. Authors Note: Contains spoilers regarding eps up to 28. Tamahome trudged wearily through the snow and stopped by a tree to rest. So far he'd had little luck in finding a tree that would be suitable for what Miaka had aptly named the 'Suzaku's Christmas Party'. He rested for a moment and regarded the blanket of white that surrounded him. The residents of Konan had been lucky this year. A few days earlier they had been blessed with a heavy downfall of snow. For once everyone could enjoy a white Christmas. A white Christmas... It had been eight years since Konan had enjoyed a white Christmas. Tamahome had been nine then, and his mother had been alive. That year's Christmas had been the best that Tamahome could remember. His Mother, Father, himself, a young Chuei and an infant Shunkei had played together in the snow that day. Running and laughing together as a family should. It was easily one of the h appiest memories of his life. He closed his eyes and fought back tears as emotion washed over him. Brutally aware that never again would he be able to play with his family as he did that day. "Oi Tamahome! Heads Up!" Tasuki cried. Surprised Tamahome opened his eyes just in time for a snowball to hit him, hard, square in the face. Taken by surprise Tamahome slipped on the snow and landed on his back. "DAMN YOU!!" He screamed as he again rose to his feet. Tasuki standing half on the ground and half on a fallen tree, regarded him mischievously. "Caught you napping Tama!" "I was in the middle of thinking about something!" Tasuki's grin broadened. "Ahh fantasizing about Miaka again? Huh, huh, huh?" Tamahome's face twisted into a super deformed rage. "Damn You!" He said again clenching his fist. "Oi! You two stop fooling around" Nuriko cried "We're supposed to be looking for a Christmas tree remember! Do you think this is big enough?" Nuriko raised the eighty-ft tall pine tree that he held in his hands so the other two could see. Tamahome and Tasuki looked at their companion in amazement. Nuriko supported the tree with no difficulty and continued looking at the two waiting for a response. "Ahh that might be a little too big. How are we going to fit it in the palace?" Tamahome asked. Nuriko frowned for a few moments, and then after thinking briefly he nodded. "You may be right!" With that he carelessly tossed the tree forward. Unfortunately he threw it strait towards Tamahome and Tasuki. Their eyes grew wide as the huge Pine descended towards them. Screaming they both turned and fled in opposite directions as the tree crashed into the ground. "Oops sorry about that!" said Nuriko.. Tasuki's head battered and bruised appeared from within the tree's branches as Tamahome glowing red with fury screamed at Nuriko. "What do you think you were doing!?!" Nuriko smiled guiltily and laughed nervously Chiriko held his stocking up and placed it, next to Miaka's above the fireplace. Chichiri stood decorating the mantle using a large streamer, which he was attaching to the wall behind the fireplace. Mitsukake and Miaka likewise were placing various decorations through out the Hall. "Do you really think Santa will come this year Chichiri-san?" Chiriko asked. All smiles Chichiri looked down at his young companion. "I don't see why not no da." He replied. Miaka turned to the two and commented "I'm surprised that you celebrate Christmas at all." Mitsukake frowned at this comment. "Why wouldn't we?" "Well...ah... The Four Gods Sky and Earth is a Pagan religion, whilst Christmas is a Christian holiday." Chichiri laughed and shook his head. "Don't be silly no da. Everyone Celebrates Christmas na no da!" Miaka frowned and returned to the Christmas decorations as Hotohori entered the main hall. For once he was adorned in his casual Suzaku Seishi travelling clothes. This was an unusual occurrence for the young Emperor in his own palace. "I have dismissed the servants for tonight, we have the palace to ourselves. Other than the palace guards of course." He said smiling "Where are the others?" "Nuriko-san, and the others have gone to the forest to look for a tree for the party tonight." Chiriko replied. Hotohori nodded "Well I had best begin preparing the feast.." "Are you sure it's alright Hotohori?" Miaka asked. Hotohori gave her a questioning look before she continued. "Cooking I mean, you are the Emperor." Hotohori laughed deeply before replying. "Its fine. I'm looking forward to it actually." Miaka clutched him by the shirt almost menacingly and looked pleadingly up into his eyes. "If you need any help in the kitchen.. Any at all I'll be happy to help." A large sweat drop appeared on Hotohori's face as he grinned a little embarrassed. The other Seishi looked worried. If Miaka were to begin helping to prepare the Christmas feast, it was a fair bet that the food may never find its way out of the kitchen. "Ahhh...errrr yes well, I should be fine.. thank you for the offer" The door leading to the court opened as Nuriko strode happily into the room. "Konitchiwa!" He cried cheerfully to his fellow companions. Looking less cheerful were Tamahome and Tasuki following close behind, both of whom were carrying a large Christmas tree. "NURIKO!! What's with you, lend us a hand why don't you!" Tamahome cried "This thing's heavy you know! Jeeze who's supposed to have the superior strength here anyway?" Nuriko turned to the two in mock surprise and cried in protest. "Wha.. you can't expect a woman full of grace and charm to be carrying around a tree!" The other Seishi watched amused as Tamahome leapt at Nuriko crying out. "What woman? You're a man!" Unfortunately it seemed that Tamahome had forgotten that he was also supposed to be helping Tasuki carry the tree. Tasuki cried out in alarm a few times before he collapsed under the tree's weight. Suzaku no Miko and the other Seishi began laughing at the spectacle. "HEY QUIT LAUGHING ARSEHOLES GET ME OUTTA HERE!" Tasuki screamed. As Mitsukake and Tamahome moved to help their companion Chiriko turned noticing for the first time that Chichiri was absent. Curious he left the main hall and exited into the cool brisk winter air. Chichiri stood with his back to Chiriko staring off into space. "Chichiri-san.. Is something wrong?" Chichiri looked down at the young Seishi and smiled briefly before replying in a soft sad voice. "No, no nothing's wrong na no da. Quite the opposite in fact." He smiled again sadly and then began walking back towards his room. Chiriko stood confused staring after his older companion, and then turned to return to the Hall. Nuriko skulked off into a corner, and pulled from his vest the small leaf of mistletoe he had uncovered in the forest. This.. this would be his chance, finally if he played his cards right he could at last make his move on Hotohori-sama. If he could just maneuver the Emperor under the mistletoe then he would at last have an excuse to kiss his beloved's lips. Nuriko smiled evilly to himself as he attached a length of string to the mistletoe. Tamahome knocked politely on the door to Chichiri's quarters before entering. The monk was seated cross legged on his bed was busy wrapping a small gift. He looked up as Tamahome entered and smiled. Slightly embarrassed Tamahome put his hand up behind his head. " Chichiri.. I was wondering if I could ask you a favor?" "What is it Tamahome-kun no da?" "Well.... It's about Miaka.. you see its our first Christmas together and... well..." Chichiri looked at Tamahome patiently. "Well I did buy her a gift, but it doesn't seem meaningful enough. I was wondering if you could help me pick something?" His fellow Seishi smiled and nodded before leaping to his feet. Tamahome led his companion from the room. "What is it Nuriko?" The Emperor asked curious as his fellow Seishi dragged him into the hall. Nuriko smiled mischievously, pleased that his plan was finally coming to fruition. "Nothing, nothing I wanted to show you something." Hotohori frowned confused. "But I was in the middle of stuffing the turkey." Nuriko continued to grin wickedly, which began to drive a wedge of fear into Hotohori's heart. The mistletoe was suspended by a string in the center of the room just out of eye shot. That is unless you knew what you were looking for. As Nuriko lead his victim into the room he glanced up at the ceiling to confirm that his trap was still secure. Sure enough the mistletoe hung lazily from the roof swinging back and forth. Nuriko again smiled and looked down to the floor, only to discover that Tasuki was busy setting the Christmas tree up right underneath the mistletoe. Furious the gay Seishi released Hotohori's arm and stormed across to Tasuki who was putting the final touches on the tree, which was presently devoid of any Christmas decorations. "YOU MORON WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?" Nuriko screamed. Tasuki was a little taken back by this out burst and so he replied with little eloquence. "huh?" "YOU CAN'T PUT THE TREE HERE! MOVE IT OVER THERE!" Tasuki frowned. "THE TREE'S STAYING RIGHT HERE! I DIDN'T SPEND AN HOUR SETTING IT UP JUST TO TAKE IT BACK DOWN AGAIN!!!" He screamed back. Nuriko began speaking in a fatalist manner. "But I need this spot other wise I'll never be able to be with Hotohori..." Tasuki hit his companion over the head with his Tessen as Hotohori exasperated turned from the two shaking his head, before returning to the kitchen. In the background Nuriko had picked Tasuki up by his legs. He held the younger bandit upside down and proceeded to continuously smash his head into the ground. They were interrupted, however, by a cry that came from the kitchen. "NO MIAKA DON'T EAT THE FRUIT CAKE!! IT'S NOT EVEN COOKED!!!" Chichiri glanced over at Tamahome who was staring off into space as he rode his horse. "Is something wrong Tamahome no da?" He asked. Tamahome snapped out of his dreamlike state and looked over at his companion. "You seem distant and unusually agitated na no da. Is something bothering you no da?" Tamahome looked down at the street below him and sighed heavily. "I've just been thinking that this will be my first Christmas without my family." Chichiri nodded understandingly. Tamahome struggled to keep his emotions in check before continuing. "I.. I miss them very much. I would have liked to have spent Christmas with them one last time." Chichiri looked down at the ground as he thought for a moment. "I understand, I too have spent many a Christmas alone." Tamahome looked up at his companion as he removed his mask revealing his scarred face. "Being a wanderer gives me the privacy that I desire, but at these times of the year, it is easy to become lonely. The first Christmas after the incident with my fiancee and best friend I.... Well I nearly committed suicide." Tamahome's eyes shot open in surprise and horror. "Chichiri!! You?" Chichiri nodded sadly before continuing. "I had begun my tutelage under Taitsu-kun who had agreed to teach me the ways of the monk. At that time I was not a very receptive student as I was still overcome with bitterness and guilt. I refused to leave my room for that holiday and spent most of the day, looking at the knife I had used to kill my best friend. As I stared at it guilt overwhelmed me. It seemed fitting I decided that I should die by the same blade. I was overcome with depression, but no matter how hard I tried I could not bring myself to do it. I must have held that knife in my hand a dozen times or more, but I found myself unable to bring the blade to my body. Eventually I grew frustrated and threw the knife into the corner. It was then that Taitsu-kun appeared behind me." Tamahome nodded noticing that Chichiri had stopped using his unique dialog. "She'd been watching you?" "The whole time. She asked me if I was quite finished being foolish. I thought she was mocking me at first and then she explained that the reason why I could not bring myself to commit suicide was because of Suzaku no Miko." "Miaka?" "Taitsu-kun explained what it meant to be a Suzaku Seishi, and the responsibility I had to Suzaku no Miko. She further explained that I would come to learn that where Suzaku no Miko is concerned all other concerns will become secondary, and that the only way I would ever be truly happy would be in protecting and serving miko. Looking back on it, Taitsu-kun was right no da. Protecting Suzaku no miko, being a Suzaku Seishi, despite our trials and tribulations. This has been the best time of my life na no da. You are all my family. It is difficult I know to mourn your loved ones no da, especially at this time of the year, when our sorrow is compounded by their absence. Although it is O.K to mourn and remember them, I have learned that you should not let your sorrow at the absence of loved ones destroy your happiness with those of us that are still here to celebrate with you." Tamahome looked thoughtful at this before Chichiri added flippantly. "Of course as Tasuki would say I could be talking out of my arse na no da!" Tamahome smiled and shook his head. "No that makes sense. Thanks." Chichiri nodded his head humbly. "Come na no da. Lets see if we can't find a present for our young miko no da." "Where's Tamahome?" Miaka asked Chiriko. "He went into town with Chichiri." Answered her younger protector. Miaka frowned grumpily. "Oh!" She shook her head as she thought to herself. "Damn I was hoping to give him his present early." She looked down at the gift in her hands. It was a simple gift, a sweater that she herself had knitted. Not the sort of thing Tamahome would easily be able to sell. Miaka had no illusions concerning her knitting ability. They were substandard at best, but this particular sweater had been a startling success. She attributed her success to the love that she had put into the sweater. She clutched the gift to her body as she thought eagerly about how pleased her champion would be when he received it. "Miaka san? Miaka san?" Chiriko repeated as Miaka enraptured stood smiling stupidly. Hotohori entered the room with a dishcloth in his hands and continued to wipe the grime and grease from them meticulously. "After all a man of his standing and beauty couldn't be seen constantly walking around with dirty hands." He thought smiling to himself. He looked up at Chiriko who was still trying to get Suzaku no Miko's attention to no avail. Hotohori stepped back as he looked to the roof and spotted the mistletoe swinging lazily about Miaka's head. She was standing beneath the mistletoe, which meant only one thing. Whoever was standing under the mistletoe with her, could kiss her. It had been difficult for the emperor to give up on Miaka, even though deep in his heart he knew he still loved her, he had chosen not to interfere with Miaka and Tamahome's love ever again. This, however, was different. A chance to kiss Miaka may never come again. This was going to be his last and only chance. As these thoughts ran through his mind Nuriko with Tasuki were carrying the tree to the new spot that had been designated. As Nuriko continued his chore he watched the Emperor as he stood staring at Miaka. It didn't take the gay Seishi long to spot that Miaka was standing beneath the mistletoe nor to deduce what was going through Hotohori's mind. Nuriko watched as the Emperor moved quickly towards Suzaku no Miko. If he'd spotted the mistletoe there would be no second chance. If Nuriko wanted to spring his trap it had to be now. With this thought firmly in mind Nuriko began running towards Miaka. "NURIKO!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?" screamed Tasuki who was once again left to single handedly carry the tree. He stumbled to the left, then to the right as he tried desperately to keep the tree upright. Chiriko and Miaka looked up as Hotohori skidded to a halt next to them. "Miaka look, mistletoe." Miaka looked up. "huh?" Hotohori wasted no time and grabbed Suzaku no Miko, and held her beneath him. Miaka looked shocked as Hotohori slowly closed in ready to kiss her. "Hotohori?" Just as he began to draw closer, Miaka felt herself being shoved rudely to one side by Nuriko. She stumbled and fell losing the present which skidded across the floor. Nuriko pointed to the roof "Look Hotohori sama mistletoe!" Nuriko then grabbed Hotohori by face with each of his hands before the Emperor could make an escape. Nuriko kept his grip firm but gentle like a familiar lover ensuring that Hotohori's mouth would be free for the kiss. Shocked Hotohori could do nothing but stare as Nuriko drew himself closer to Hotohori. His eyes widened as Nuriko's closed in anticipation of the kiss. "WHOA WHOA WHOAAAAAAAAA!!" Screamed Tasuki who slipped on Tamahome's present and slid into both Nuriko and Hotohori. The three Suzaku Seishi collapsed in a heap and the Christmas tree landed heavily on all three of them. Hotohori lay stunned and in pain his eyes becoming spirals. Nuriko lay kissing the wooden floor to the hall. Whilst Tasuki lay on his back over the two with a Christmas tree resting firmly on his stomach. Tamahome and Chichiri returned a short time later to see Tasuki again putting the final touches on the tree. It was still devoid of decorations but several large boxes sat next to it. Tasuki muttered and grumbled to himself as he stood back and admired his handiwork. Tamahome approached his brawling buddy and surprised asked him "Are you only just now finishing the tree. I would have thought you would have finished hours ago." Tasuki turned to Tamahome and gave him a dark look as tendrils of his Chi rose about his body. Furious he looked up slowly and then looked back at Tamahome. "Tama... Look mistletoe..." confused Tamahome looked up and as he looked back at Tasuki he received a fist in the face which sent him sprawling to the ground. He slid across the floor before bumping his head against one of the boxes of Christmas decorations. "What was that for?" he cried. His eyes grew wide though as a half dozen Christmas decoration flew through the air towards him. He began blocking and dodging as many of the baubles as he could and eventually began returning fire with his own arsenal of Christmas tree decorations. Mitsukake, Chiriko, Miaka and Nuriko entered the room as dozens of Christmas decorations flew back and forth between the two warriors. Finally Tasuki pulled a large star from his box. As Tamahome saw the ornament he cried "TASUKI NO WAIT!!". Too late though Tasuki hurled the large star at Tamahome. Desperately Tamahome tried to catch it but it spun away from him and shattered upon hitting the wall. "YOU IDIOT!!" Tamahome cried "THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO GO AT THE TOP OF THE TREE!" "SHUTTUP!" cried Tasuki. "YOU PEABRAIN WHAT ARE WE GOING TO PUT AT THE TOP OF THE TREE NOW?" Nuriko screamed. Tasuki realising he was in trouble regarded his two companion before searching through the box again. "Don't sweat it we can use this angel..." He said holding up a two foot tall Super Deformed Chichiri in one hand. "Da?" Chichiri said as Tasuki hung him to the top of the tree using his cloak. "Umm are you sure that's such a good idea?" Mitsukake asked "I would have thought he'd be too..." Chichiri began waving his arms frantically and screaming as the tree began tipping over under his weight. The tree AGAIN collapsed on top of Tasuki, Nuriko, Chichiri and Tamahome. "...heavy." Mitsukake finished. "I swear we should go out and find a better fucking tree. This one keeps falling over." Tasuki said dryly. "I can't do this anymore!" cried a distressed Hotohori. "Hotohori-sama what's wrong?" Chiriko asked. "I never imagined cooking could be so... messy!" he replied nearly in tears. " My nails have split, I have wrinkles on my hands, there are food stains all over this apron. My hair is all tangled up, and I don't look as elegant and cute as I thought I would with the chef's hat on. Oh can anyone know the suffering I have endured." Mitsukake and Chiriko looked at Hotohori and two beads of sweat appeared on each of their heads. "It's only cooking..." Mitsukake argued but Hotohori ignored him and continued raving. "Look at me I'm a mess, oh Suzaku how could you have forsaken me!" "I think I'll finish off the feast." Mitsukake whispered to Chiriko who nodded numbly. Miaka stretched lazily as she walked along the corridors of the palace. Everything felt right for once, and Nakago and the other Seiryuu Seishi seemed to be content to leave Suzaku's people alone for once. Yes life was good she thought, and it was going to get a hell of a lot better when Mitsukake finally completes the finishing touches to the Turkey. "Miaka!" A familiar voice called from behind her. She stopped by a closed door and turned. "What is it Tamahome?" she asked turning and smiling up at her taller champion. Tamahome looked embarrassed for a moment as he moved shiftily from one foot to the other. Miaka looked at him confused, it wasn't like Tamahome to be at a loss for words, especially when he was around Miaka. She raised her eyebrows as Tamahome smiled embarrassed and handed her a small package. "Merry Christmas" Delighted she quickly shoved the contents into her mouth. "Ita Daki Masu!" Tamahome thumped her on the head quickly crying "Don't eat it!" Curious she unwrapped the gift to find a small chain with a gold pendant attached. "It's a Heart Pendant." Tamahome explained. "Traditionally when a man gives it to a woman, it is said that the pendant knows the true nature of his heart, and will be filled with his love. Thus when the woman wears it, their hearts are eternally next to each other, and they will never truly be separated. So long as she wears the pendant the man is unable to love another. Because his heart belongs only to her." Miaka's eyes widened and clutching the Heart Pendant in her hand she leapt into embrace him. "Tamahome!!!" She cried. "Miaka I love you.. Merry Christmas!" Tears welling in her eyes she nodded before answering. "Merry Christmas." As they moved in to kiss one another, the closed