"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
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