Subject: <fy> Fushigi Xmas
From: "David Myers" <davenader@hotmail.com>
Date: 12/8/1997, 10:14 PM
To: fanfic@fanfic.com

"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 
door crashed open and all the other Seishi Superdeformed fell into 
the hall in a big heap.  As Tamahome and Miaka stared down at them 
they looked guiltily up at the two and sweat drops appeared on 
everyone's heads. Nuriko was the first to recover.
"Ahhh I think the door is fixed now."  He cried.
"HEY YOU WERE ALL EAVESDROPPING ON US WEREN'T YOU!!" Tamahome screamed.  
Embarrassed all six Seishi hung their heads in shame and looked away.  
Tamahome and Miaka stared at them for a moment before Tasuki cried. 
"Oi Mitsukake is the food ready yet?"  Miaka leapt onto Mitsukake and 
stared up at him as he nodded affirmatively.  Everyone began eagerly 
making their way into the Main Hall ignoring Tamahome as he stared at 
their backs a dark look on his face.  
"Hey don't go changing the.... Oh why do I bother?" With that he too 
entered the hall.
     
It was a short time later that all the Suzaku Seishi and Suzaku no 
Miko herself finally were finally seated for the Christmas feast. 
Hotohori was fully cleaned up and feeling like his old self. 
Meanwhile the Christmas tree, fully decorated stood proudly in the 
corner.  All the Seishi had combined forces and in an amazingly short 
time the tree had been raised and decorated.  As Miaka sat enjoying 
the Christmas feast Chiriko asked. "Miaka-san how is Christmas 
celebrated in your world?"  Miaka swallowed her mouthful of Turkey.
"In Japan, we spend Christmas much the same way as here.  I spend 
Christmas with my Mother and older brother.  We sing Christmas 
carols perform plays and eat loads and loads of food."
"Doesn't sound like the same way I spend Christmas" muttered Tasuki. 
Chiriko ever curious looked up at Tasuki.
"Tasuki-san you do not seem to enjoy Christmas very much.  Why is 
that?"
"Bandits spend Christmas in a very different manner to most 
people." Tasuki answered solemnly. Tamahome meanwhile looked deep 
into Miaka's eyes and said with absolute sincerity
"One day I will provide a family for us where we too can perform 
plays and sing carols at Christmas."
"Ohhh Tamahome!!" Miaka swooned.  Tasuki screamed and waved his arms 
in front of the two lovers.
"HEY I'M TALKING HERE. QUIT IGNORING ME!!!"  Calming down somewhat 
he returned to his solemn story.  "Despite what you may think... 
Being a bandit is a very hard life.  Most people are forced into 
the role due to harsh politics and harsher living conditions." 
Hotohori flinched momentarily upon hearing this, but Tasuki 
continued "The life is no easier as a bandit and we spent many a 
Christmas starving and cold.  My first few years of life have few 
happy memories, and it wasn't until our former leader took over 
that we finally started getting enough money and food that we could 
enjoy a full stomach.  Even then the work was difficult and the 
return was little.  But through our leaders direction and 
organization we could occasionally enjoy large meals."
"Tasuki?"  Miaka said surprised but the bandit continued.
"But usually it meant that we spent Christmas working.  It was the 
best time to strike and usually had the greatest return.  It was a 
shameful thing, stealing from people during their time of happiness 
and celebration, and more than once I felt disgraceful, but it was 
the only way we would have enough food to last the winter.  Let 
alone having a Christmas meal.  As for presents... No one ever had 
anything to give."  Tasuki fell silent and the other Seishi sat 
looking at him.  Everyone felt uncomfortable by the lack of 
conversation, but no one could think of anything to say that would 
lighten the mood.  Finally it was Tamahome who broke the silence.  
"Well... I was going to give this to you tomorrow, but now probably 
is a better time.  Here..." Tamahome handed a small package to 
Tasuki who looked at it in shock.  
"Tamahome... for me..."  Tamahome nodded smiling.  Tasuki stunned 
opened the package to find a small bottle of liquid.  He looked 
at it for a moment before Tamahome added.
"It's Takai Oil, excellent for maintaining Iron tools and removing 
rust. I thought you could use it for you're Tessen." Tears fell 
unashamedly from Tasuki's eyes as he held the Oil to his body.  
All smiles Suzaku's holy warriors returned to the celebration.

The night flew by quickly as the Suzaku Seishi all joined in 
singing Christmas carols.  Chichiri impressed everyone by turning 
into various people and doing several amusing, embarrassing and in 
Nakago's case down right rude impressions.  Hotohori joined in on 
this and leapt onto the table before crying out. "O.K Impression... 
what am I?  What am I?"  He then began stumbling about the table 
with his back hunched and making pig noises.
"Hunchback of Notradamn"
"A troll!"
"A pig"
"Taitsu-kun"
"Bill Clinton.."
"An Ogre."
"Tamahome" cried Tasuki.  Which earned him a thump on the head.  
Finally Hotohori stood up arms wide and shook his head before 
answering.
"Nope... I'm still Beautiful" 
"Ohhh Hotohori-sama" Nuriko pined as the other Seishi threw fruit 
and food at him. 
Finally Tasuki and Tamahome finished the night in true Chinese 
fashion.  As firecrackers were set off Tamahome and Tasuki performed 
a dance using traditional giant Chinese lion head masks.  Which gave 
the illusion of two lions confronting each other in combat.  
Performing various impressive Martial Arts techniques the two Seishi 
weaved and danced around each other for the glory of their miko.  
Miaka sat and clapped joyfully as the two lions leaped and fought 
and finally danced around her, before both finally prostrated 
themselves before their country's protector.
   Tamahome gathered the Giant ceremonial masks and set off to 
return them to their storage room. Chiriko feeling tired, retired 
for the night and it wasn't long after that Chichiri, and Mitsukake 
both made their excuses and returned to their respective rooms.  
Time passed and the remaining Seishi sat with their miko and enjoyed 
each other's company.  Finally Miaka asked. "Where's Tamahome?"       
"Emperor!" Interrupted one of the palace guards.  "We have spotted 
an intruder on the grounds."  
"What!"  Hotohori exclaimed.
"Could it be Seiryuu...?" Nuriko asked.  There was a crash from the 
Hall and the friends all broke into a run.  Soon they burst into 
the Hall to find a dark shadowy figure wearing a head cloth tied 
under his nose as a disguise.  He had a large sack full of goodies 
and was sneaking from the room as Nuriko screamed.  "Oi You!  Wait!"  
The disguised figure turned to see Suzaku no Miko, Tasuki, Nuriko 
and Hotohori all bearing down on him.  
"Lekka Shien!!!" Cried Tasuki.  Fire erupted from the Tessen flaming 
the burglar who fell to the ground.  His disguise destroyed Tamahome 
leapt to his feet screaming "DAMN YOU!!".
"Tamahome?" Miaka cried surprised "What were you doing?" Tamahome 
looked embarrassed as Chiriko, Chichiri and Mitsukake ran into the 
room. Nuriko gasped as he looked into the burglar's sack.
"These are everyone presents"  
"Ah ha yeah funny that... I wonder how they got into my sack..." He 
exclaimed innocently.
"YOU WERE GOING TO SELL THEM WEREN'T YOU TAMAHOME!!!"  Tasuki 
screamed.  Tamahome again looked embarrassed 
"Shit they figured me out.." He mumbled to himself.  Just as he 
finished muttering this there was a tapping of footsteps on the roof 
and some rocks and such fell from the chimney into the fireplace.  
"What?" Exclaimed Hotohori.
"Must be Seiryuu!!"  cried Nuriko.  
 "I'll stop him!!" cried Tasuki as a figured dropped into the 
fireplace from the chimney. "LEKKA SHIEN!!!" The Flames engulfed the 
figure, and when they cleared they revealed an unimpressed and 
blackened fellow wearing a sooty red coat and short white hair with 
a thick white beard carrying a large sack.
"SANTA CLAUSE!!!"  Everyone exclaimed.  
"Hello.. Hello.. children!" cried Santa.  "I must say I wasn't 
expecting a reception quite that warm...Ho, Ho, Ho..." Tasuki laughed 
nervously.
"Gomenasai!" 
"Santa what are you doing here?"  Tamahome asked
"Oh just making a few deliveries, dropping things off picking things 
up... speaking of which.." Santa reached into his sack and began 
pulling presents out.  "Ah yes this ones for Miaka.. don't eat them 
all at once.."  Miaka overjoyed began eating the contents of the 
package without bothering to remove the wrapping. "Ah Tamahome... 
don't spend it all at once.."  Tamahome's eyes lit up as Santa 
handed him a small pouch of money. "Hotohori I think you will enjoy 
this..."  Hotohori looked at the framed picture of himself.
"Ah just what I always wanted.."
"...and one for Nuriko.."  Santa gave Nuriko an identical picture 
of Hotohori to the gay Seishi.  
"Ah just what I always wanted..."
"...and a present for Chichiri, one for Mitsukake and one for 
Chiriko.."  The three Suzaku Seishi pleased looked down at their 
respective gifts.  Tasuki excited leaped up and down.  
"Santa me, me, me, me!!"  Santa looked over at.
"Sorry nothing for you! You're not on my list..."  Shocked Tasuki 
stepped back.
"Not.. on... your... list?"
"Yes I only deliver presents to good little children, and you 
haven't been very good this year.."  Tasuki's face twisted into a 
mask of fury.  
"What do you mean I haven't been good?"
"Well you have been continuously flaming Tamahome, swearing, getting 
drunk, brawling.. These aren't the actions of a nice boy."  Tasuki's 
frown deepened.  
"BULLSHIT!! YOU'RE JUST PISSED CAUSE I FLAMED YOU WHEN YOU CAME 
DOWN THE CHIMNEY!!"  He screamed.
"I don't know what you're talking about."  Santa said innocently.
"GYAAH GIMME A PRESENT YOU STINGY BASTARD!!!"  Santa frowned at 
this before turning around.  
"Stingy am I?"  Tasuki was already looking through Santa's sack.  
"Nope crap.. crap.. crap.. more crap.."  He began throwing presents 
out of the sack and onto the floor.  Santa's frown deepened further 
"GET OUT OF MY SACK!!"  He cried and began wrestling Tasuki for 
supremacy and control of the Sack of Presents.  
"GIMME A PRESENT ARSEHOLE!!!" Tasuki screamed before Santa sent him 
flying with an upper cut to the jaw.  Tasuki flew across the room 
and hit the wall.  "Take this you bastard!!"  Tasuki cried and 
unsheathed his Tessen.  "LEKKA SHIEN!!"  Santa, however, countered 
his attack by encasing Tasuki's weapon in ice.  
"HA HA HA YOU ARE NO MATCH FOR ME!!"  He cried and began laughing 
maniacally to himself.  Meanwhile the other Seishi had been watching 
the entire exchange and large drops of sweat had appeared on 
everyone's foreheads.
"He's not as jolly as I thought he'd be."  Commented Mitsukake.  
"mmmm" Agreed Miaka.         
"Well.." said Santa "It's been fun but it's time for me to go... 
Until next year Suzaku Seishi"  Santa concentrated for a moment and 
an icy mist quickly spread throughout the room, making it impossible 
to see for a moment.  Then suddenly the mist condensed as one and 
shot up the chimney, leaving the Suzaku Seishi and Suzaku no Miko 
standing bewildered about the room.
"Bastard!" muttered Tasuki. "Next year I'm gunna..." Tasuki stopped 
short as he reached for his iron fan, which had mysteriously 
vanished.  "What the.. my Tessen its gone..." 
"For that matter..." added Tamahome "Where is..."

Meanwhile in the middle of America Tasuki no Miko crept into her 
dining room to see a Giant Iron fan sitting underneath the Christmas 
tree.  "Amazing!!" She cried excited "Just what I wanted my very own 
Tessen."  She picked the fan up and admired it for a moment, before 
waving it experimentally. "Lekka Shien!"  She cried.  Sure enough 
flames shot out from the Tessen engulfing the family Christmas tree!  
She clapped her hands with glee.  "..and it works too, it works.." 
She watched as the fire on the tree quickly spread to the curtains 
and then to the roof of the family home.  "Uh Oh.."

Meanwhile in Texas Cheree moved stealthily into her dining room.  
She had heard noises and suspected a burglar.  She raised the base 
ball bat over her head and leapt into the dining room, only to see 
a blue haired figure tied up and gagged  lying underneath her tree.  
Chichiri rolled over and mumbled loudly through his gag.  Shocked 
Cheree approached the Seishi cautiously.  "Chichiri?"  she asked.  
Chichiri nodded his head enthusiastically.  "Wow you're really 
Chichiri."  She dived onto him giving him a big hug as she did.  
Chichiri again murmured through his gag, and Cheree was quick to 
remove it.  
"Arigato no da!"  He gasped.  Cheree squealed with delight as he
said  'no da' and hugged him again. "Umm could you remove these 
bindings please na no da" Cheree looked at him for a moment before 
pinching his nose between her thumb and forefinger.  Then smiling 
she pulled his mask from his face.  Shocked the scar faced Chichiri 
stared at her with his one good wide eye as she kissed him firmly 
on the lips.  Unable to resist Chichiri continued to stare at her 
in disbelief until finally she broke the kiss.  As she hugged him 
yet a third time Chichiri muttered  "Uh Oh no da"
"Not.. just ..yet" She said grinning wickedly.  Chichiri looked 
worried and a large sweat drop appeared on his head and he changed 
into his three foot tall form.  Cheree again squeeled with delight 
and hugged him even harder.  Then taking him up in her arms, she 
moved quickly into her room. She snuggled up to him as he lay like 
a teddy bear in her arms a large sweat drop still sitting on his 
superdeformed head "Excuse me? Excuse me...." But Cheree was already
fast asleep.
    
Meanwhile in Australia Davenader booted up his Mail tool.  "Hey cool
My Mail tool is full.. just what I always wanted for Christmas."  

Please Make my Christmas wish come true! Davenader@hotmail.com

Back within the World of the Four Gods Tasuki muttered to himself. "I 
wanna punch this author in the head"

THE END

Authors Note:  O.K yes I realised some of that was contrived and rather
cheesy but it is a Christmas Special so what did you expect.  Anyways 
hope you enjoyed it, have a good holiday and Merry Christmas. Thanks 
to Tasuki no Miko and Cheree for permission to include them in my 
humble fic.  
		Love
			Dave:)

 
          
     


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