((Okay everyone, I know I should be working on Labyrinth, but you know how my muse is… that and Jareth isn't cooperating. LOL! Anyway, this one-shot is part of a trade between me and Ranefea from dA. The theory is that Hotohori survived Nakago's attack and was actually there for Mang-Chen's birth. Hope you enjoy!))

Growing Pains

By: Lady Day

It had been a long day, one full of rain and boring paperwork, and Hotohori, Celestial Warrior and Emperor of Hong-Nan, was suffering from a huge migraine. It was times like these that he missed his priestess, Miaka, and her medicines from her world. He could certainly do for some, what did she call it again… aspirin?

'Ah well,' he thought. 'I'm sure she's too busy with Tamahome and her schooling now. I wonder how long it has been in her world… It's hard to believe it's almost been a year…'

He left his study, wandering around the palace as his thoughts led him to memories of his time with Miaka and the Warriors of Suzaku. Those had been good times, and he missed his friends dearly.

However, as he meandered around, a servant came running up to him and bowed.

"Your Majesty!" the young woman exclaimed. "The Empress is in labor!"

"Take me to her, immediately!" he replied, hurrying after the servant.

He knelt at her side now, though the midwife had made an argument against him being there. Her tears slid down her face and she squeezed his hand so tightly that she nearly broke it. He winced and tried to calm her down.

"Feng-Qi, breathe!' he exclaimed, fighting the pain of his hand and trying to help her. "In and out, breathe!" Her eyes snapped open and she glared at the Emperor at her side.

"I'll show you breathe, Hotohori!" she snapped angrily. "You just HAD to have an heir, didn't you!?" His eyes widened. "After this, you are NEVER touching me again!"

"But Feng-Qi…" he tried to explain.

"NO buts!" she screamed as she pushed again. "Never again!" If Tasuki had been there, he would have surely died of laughter at the pout on Hotohori's face…

Many Hours Later…

Feng-Qi collapsed onto the bed, as a loud wail pierced the air. Hotohori smiled and nursed his broken fingers as the midwives cleaned up the mess.

"It's a boy!" one of them exclaimed to the happy parents. "A strong boy!" Once they had cleaned him up and wrapped him in a blanket, they handed the baby to Hotohori. The young emperor looked down at his son, a soft smile on his face.

"Beautiful…" he murmured quietly. "His name will be Mang-chen." Feng-Qi grunted as she finished the delivery and the mid-wives began to clean her up. Hotohori handed his empress their son.

"Little Mang-Chen…" she whispered softly. "My son… you're beautiful…" As she began to feed the child, she looked up at Hotohori. "I'm sorry, my lord, for all of the hateful things I said to you." He merely smiled at her and wrapped an arm around his family.

"I understand," he replied, gently running a finger across his son's cheek. "It is nothing to concern yourself over. I only worry about your health. Focus on your recovery."

And so, with the Emperor of Hong-Nan's blessing, the young empress and their son drifted into sleep.

"Rest now," he murmured, kissing both of them. "I am keeping watch…"

The End

((Oh god… I don't know whether to scrap it or re-do it… I've never done something so… so short! Ranefea, if you don't like it, let me know and I swear I'll fix it for you. Reviews are always appreciated!))