Author note: Yo! Here's chapter 2, from your ecstatic author. This story has been faved and alerted! Holy crap! All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you, and I hope the rest of my writing meets your expectations. tearful happy smile And I am soooo sorry for how long it took to get this out. I feel horrible, I meant to be putting up the last chapter on Christmas eve, and I'll try to, but that doesn't leave a lot of spread out for the updates, and I don't remember if there's a limit of how many chapters that can be uploaded in a day. Eep. I'm trying really! I didn't forget, I just had one of those scenarios of "Ok I know it will start like this, and at some point this will happen, so now I just have to fill in the blank." Blank would be the key word there, I'm afraid. bows I apologize and I'll try really hard to make this entertaining for you guys and to get the rest out asap.

Disclaimer: Nope, still don't own Tsubasa, XXXHolic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, or anything nearly that cool. The possible exception may be my car, and it's only awesome because after it snowed I gave it a mohawk (it's a white sedan). It was glorious. That being said, on with the mayhem.

snowflakessnowflakes(if this annoys anybody go ahead and say so, I won't be offended)snowflakess

Once, as usual, Kurogane was dissuaded from cutting Fai's head off, Watanuki, as requested, showed them to four guest bedrooms. All of them, even Watanuki, were curious how there were four guest bedrooms in a shop that didn't seem quite that spacious, but all of them seemed to know better than to really ask how that happened in a shop owned by one such as Yuko the Dimension Witch. Other questions, however, were "askable" or at least Sakura thought so.

"Watanuki-kun?"

"Yes?" the young man replied, eyebrows arched in surprise at being questioned by the slightly younger girl.

"I don't mean to pry, but I'm curious: Yuko-san said that you have talents and your wish was to lose them? I'm curious why you'd want her to take away your gifts, I suppose," the princess asked, concerned.

Watanuki's jaw dropped a little, and he was quiet a moment before he answered.

"Oh…I suppose…I suppose it's the kind of thing that all depends on your perspective. What she was referring to, what I wished I didn't have anymore, was my ability…to see spirits."

"Seeing spirits bothers you? I sort of thought I was lucky to be able to see and talk with the spirits I've come across."

"You see them too? I'm surprised…do they follow you, too?" the girl had Watanuki's full attention and curiosity now. He didn't know why he was talking so easily about what he had almost completely kept to himself, but that she had such a thing in common with him had caught him off-guard.

"Hmmm not often. In fact, one led me right to where I, or rather we, were needed. Mokona said that because I did, Princess Emeraude could rest in peace," the girl smiled, and Syaoran smiled alongside her at the memory.

"Well…it's…it's different for me, I guess. The ones that follow me…I can't understand what they need for me to put them to rest, if I even can; I can't be sure that's what they want at all. I doubt that most of the spirits I see ever were human. They're odd-looking, almost…well I'm not trying to sound creepy but…demonic."

"And you don't want them to keep chasing you," Fai piped up, speaking softly. He didn't even seem to notice how that got everyone's attention turned to him.

Watanuki nodded seriously, answering, "That's exactly it."

Sakura frowned a moment, and then smiled.

"Well then, I wish you luck with your wish, Watanuki-kun."

"Thank you. Well, here; this is the first room. I'm guessing that each room is for whoever wants-"

Watanuki stopped and stared at the room he'd just opened the door to. It had pale lavender walls, a canopy bed that had a deeper purple set of drapes with tan sheets and pillows, a white vanity with a matching white-and-chrome stool set in front of it, and in another corner was a comfortable-looking white bean bag chair with a purple heart-shaped pillow resting on it.

"Ah, so this is going to be Kuro-myu's room, is it? How sweet," Fai grinned.

"You really want me to kill you, don't you mage," Kurogane seethed.

Sakura smiled. "I guess I'll take this room then. It's cute! Rest well, everyone, and thank you, Watanuki-kun."

Watanuki nodded, "It's nothing," and Sakura stepped into the room.

They walked in silence to the next room, which Watanuki opened and was fairly impressed. The walls were the color of old parchment and the bed was simple but very soft looking, done in different shades of green. There was a floor to ceiling bookcase on the opposite wall filled with antique books. The bookcase, desk, and dresser were all antique and solid oak, and there was even an old-fashioned globe on a stand next to the bookcase.

Of course, Syaoran's jaw dropped.

Fai's smile softened as he prodded, "I think maybe Syaoran likes this room."

Syaoran smiled back, saying, "Ok. Thank you; and I'm sure I'll be back out soon. I'd like to hear more about the story the Dimensional…er…Yuko-san was talking about."

He gave a polite nod and no one was surprised to see him head straight over to appraise the small library contained in the bookcase.

"On to the next one I guess," Watanuki commented to no one in particular as they started walking again. The next door was opened, and it was obviously for Fai. It was blue. Light blue walls, and there was an elegant star pattern done in gold all over the walls and ceiling that somehow managed to be soft instead of gaudy. He had a bench seat tucked under a window that was framed by white sheers. He also had a canopy bed, done in a deep blue, and much more streamlined and no frill like Sakura's had been; the drapes attached to the posts and could even pull around to completely surround the bed.

Kurogane was surprised because not only was that the full extent of what was contained in the room, but the base of the bench seat, as well as the comforter for the bed, were black. He wouldn't have expected the mage to like black. Fai seemed surprised as well, but nevertheless walked in with a smile.

"This looks rather comfortable. Thanks again, Watanuki-kun, and see ya in a little while, Kuro-tan!"

"You're welcome," nodded Watanuki.

"Whatever," Kurogane grumbled.

"Last but not least," Watanuki spoke up after Fai closed the door.

"She probably made mine look like a prison cell," Kurogane snorted.

"I'd like to say she wouldn't do that, but with her, you definitely never know," Watanuki shook his head. He was actually glad that they were making even a short conversation, he had the feeling he'd start sweating if he and the ninja had been walking alone in silence. Of course Yuko had to blab to Watanuki the day before that Kurogane had been sent on this journey because he'd killed too many people. The teen was grateful when they reached the last door.

"I can imagine," Kurogane nodded. In all honesty Kurogane actually respected the witch's assistant, as he would anyone who managed to work for that insane woman and not go insane themselves. Besides that, the youth called her out when she was being annoying; a definite plus in Kurogane's book. Not that he'd ever say that, of course.

"Well, I hope it's-wow," Watanuki blinked as he opened the door.

If he'd been able to, Kurogane would have said "Wow," as well.

Watanuki hadn't been able to help it; the room was amazing. The walls were a slightly glossy black, but deep red columns with leveled square molding at the ceiling stood against the walls. A black futon was made to show red sheets were under the comforter, and though it did not have a headboard or canopy, it had three bronze shields hanging above it. The shields were identical, circular, and had an ornate pattern worked into them. There was one plain wooden chair, also painted black, with a tan cushion that mimicked the bronze. Across from the futon a substantial but simple black chest took up most of the length of the wall. There were gold symbols painted on the center doors of the low chest, once Kurogane walked further into the room. He swallowed a lump in his throat.

"Thanks," he nodded to the almost as impressed teen that waited at the doorway.

Watanuki nodded in return, "Yeah, you're welcome," before closing the door.

When he saw the door close, Kurogane allowed himself to really stare around the room as he took off his faceguard and cape. He walked up and fingered the carvings in the shields. He could tell they were new, replicas, and unused, but that was a small matter considering they were made well enough that he could fair pretty well taking one of these with him into battle, if he needed. The scarcity of a time like this when for once he hoped he wouldn't have fight off someone with his sword made it ironic that he had equipment decorating the room he'd be staying in. He lay back on the futon, and it was the softest thing he'd ever come in contact with. His muscles instantly relaxed, and without even shifting from his sprawled position, he fell asleep.

A cheery cry of "Kurogane-saaaaan! Your costuuuuuume!" and an unceremonious whoosh of fabric being thrown on top of the sleeping ninja is how Kurogane's consciousness was greeted later that day.

"Wha-?" the ninja tried to speak through the sleepy fog in his mind, but regretted it when he pushed the garment off him and began to spit out a mouthful of fuzz.

…Wait…

…

What the?

………………………

Fuzz?

Kurogane jolted awake, instantly in a sitting position, staring in shock at the innocent looking costume that lay wrinkled beside him. His eyes were wide and his jaw dropped at the offending garment that seemed not to know how horribly wrong it was to be lying next to Kurogane, who definitely, absolutely did ­not wear…green…fuzzy…suits.

"Oi!"

"Yes, Kurogane-san? Though usually I don't respond to such rude attempts to get my attention, but since you are an honored guest I will humor you," Yuuko smiled.

Kurogane glared at the witch.

"What is this…thing?" Kurogane's voice was dangerously quiet, like a lion about to pounce.

"Your costume."

"I refuse to find this joke funny, witch."

"I'm not joking."

"….It's GREEN and FUZZY."

"Yeeees, the Grinch is a green, fuzzy creature," Yuuko answered, wry amusement starting to creep onto her expression.

"You're trying to tell me…that my part in this ridiculous show you spoke of…is this…this…green…FUZZY thing?!" Kurogane ground out through clenched teeth.

"The Grinch."

"The what?"

Yuuko sighed. "Well get your lazy bones out of bed and join the others and I will tell all of you the story."

"That's all fine, but I am not wearing this weird…costume."

"We'll see. First thing's first, Kurogane-san."

Kurogane glared as Yuuko gestured down the hall, backing out of the doorway. His silent fury practically radiated off of him as he walked/stomped down the hall towards the room they had landed in.

"Ok, now that our lead actor in this play has woken up, I can give you the basic idea of the story. But first, all of you look great in your costumes! Except Kurogane-san the grouchy Grinch, who refuses to try his out."

"Awww, Kuro-chuu you're such a party pooper."

Kurogane glared at the mage…who was wearing…a dog suit.

"You and the kid…are playing dogs?"

"Yes, they are, Kurogane-san, as I was about to say, in our hybrid version of the Grinch, we will keep the idea from the stage musical that the Grinch's loyal dog, Max, is our narrator. But that is Max in his older years, played by Fai-san. The younger Max involved in the story as it plays out, will be played by Syaoran-kun. This is how the story goes: Max is forced into being dressed as a reindeer and helping the Grinch with his evil scheme to steal all the annoying, noise-making, toys and food and decorations typical of Christmastime, all of which the Grinch hates. Sakura-hime will do us the honor of playing Cindy Lou-Who, a child of Whoville who almost catches the Grinch in the act of stealing everything they need for the Christmas celebration, but he lies to her and sends her to back to bed, and he gets away. Then, as dawn approaches, the Grinch has his sleigh full of their Christmas fare with him way on the mountaintop, and he listens for their cries of sadness. He celebrates his triumph, but when the Whos wake up, instead of crying, the whole village comes together in the town square and sing, which is another part of their tradition. This confuses the Grinch, who after a while finally understands that Christmas is not just about the presents and the food, but about the people you spend Christmas with. He stops the sleigh from tumbling over the mountainside, and returns every bit of food, every present and ornament, to the residents of Whoville. In return, he is given the honor of carving the roast beast for their Christmas dinner, and loves Christmas from then on. The end. Any questions?" Yuuko smiled.

Both Mokonas, Maru, and Moro clapped appreciatively with cries of "Yay! What a great Christmas story!"

Sakura and Fai both smiled at them, Syaoran's smile was more nervous, Watanuki was trying not to laugh at the antics of the two children and their child-like cheerleaders, and Yuuko's smile contained the usual smugness.

Kurogane rolled his eyes, saying, "I have a question. Are we done with this for now? Or do we really have to start on this 'show' of yours right now?"

Yuuko sighed. She had a feeling that if he was going to become known in the history books of his home world, the man would go down as Kurogane the Stubborn.

"I suppose you can laze about and we'll start on the first song, which you don't sing. So unless you want to watch the rehearsal, shoo," the Dimensional Witch waved him off.

Kurogane glared in response, explaining, "I don't intend to laze about or watch you all sing, I'm going to practice because I'd rather not find out what a full week of no practice would lead to."

"Well I suppose since you intend to be useful, you may use my backyard to practice in. Watanuki-kun, makes sure he doesn't get lost but hurry back since you're the best piano player among us and they need to hear the tune first."

Watanuki blanched and rubbed the back of his head in surprise as he responded, "You're never gonna explain how on earth you just know those kinds of things, are you? Besides, I haven't played piano in about three years."

"But you were exceptional when you did, so hurry up, no complaints and quit gawking, you've worked here long enough to not be so stunned to see what I can do," Yuuko grinned.

Watanuki shook his head and turned to Kurogane.

"Well, it's this way," and with Kurogane's silent nod of response, the two went through the back.

They made their way through the door, Watanuki only stepping outside to check if Kurogane wanted him to come back and let the swordsman know when they'd be having dinner, which Kurogane said was fine, he thanked him, Watanuki nodded and left.

Kurogane began to take his stance, and warmed up his arms with a few short swings. He enjoyed the quiet and solitude.

But as anyone else involved in their mayhem-filled journey can tell you, such quiet and solitude doesn't last.

At first it was just a small piano tune reaching his ears, which he didn't mind so much. Within about a half an hour, however, the whole group inside had begun…singing. Loudly.

"Fah who for-aze!
Dah who dor-aze!
Welcome Christmas,
Come this way!

Fah who for-aze!
Dah who dor-aze!
Welcome Christmas,
Christmas Day!"

Kurogane growled, "Why the hell did I agree to participate in such a ridiculous show anyway?"

Just then it reoccurred to Kurogane that he never ­had agreed to play a part in the nonsense show the witch seemed to be so fond of. In fact, the mage had been the only one to say yes to the witch's request.

"Welcome, Welcome
Fah who rah-moose
Welcome, Welcome
Dah who dah-moose

Christmas day is in our grasp
So long as we have hands to clasp!"

The singing from inside the house seemed to be mocking him now. Kurogane's knuckles turned white as he clenched his weapon in anger.

The mage and he were going to have words as soon as Kurogane could get him alone.

Then the piano part stopped with a soft thud.

"WAH! D-DOUMEKI YOU BASTARD YOU COULD HAVE CRUSHED MY FINGERS!" came a familiar shout, also from inside the house.

"And then! Oh the noise! Oh the Noise! Noise! Noise! Noise!

That's one thing he hated! The NOISE! NOISE! NOISE! NOISE!" Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas

(Snoooow snoooow snooow snooooow snoooooooooooooooooooooooooooow! Anyone know that song?)

AN: hehe Yes, enter Doumeki. And yes, next chapter will include what Kurogane missed while he was blowing off steam outside. Aren't I evil? I know I have apologized for a lot this chapter, but I do also apologize if the room descriptions and Yuuko's summary of the whole book How the Grinch Stole Christmas were too long, the rooms will have more meaning later and maybe I'll redo her summary later. Feedback is VERY helpful, and I haven't seen any. Please let me know if you like where this is going, and also how much of the final "performance" should be included in the end. I haven't decided if I should gloss over it or most of it, since you'll see a lot of the practicing in the next chapter or two, or go back and forth between almost the entire performance and what will happen off to the sides or "backstage". Thank you so much for reading, whether you favorite, alert or review or just read it. But if you do favorite, alert, or review I wish you hugs, cookies and eggnog (or whatever sweets and drinks you like), since I can't really give you such things over the internet. Pretend I did! Ok I'll stop now.

Love and Peace,

JVern