Y/N: This is the last chapter of the story and it gets a little cheesy in places and a little over dramatic but that's the point. It's Christmas. I hope you've all enjoyed reading this, and I hope you all enjoy your holidays and whatnot, even if you don't necessarily celebrate Christmas and yep that's about all. Emiko's a crazy person.

Title: Here Comes Santa Claus

By: UrazamayKing

Disclaimer: We don't own Digimon or its characters.

Chapter 22: O Christmas Tree

Emiko Kido:

"Renrjiro," Mai said, falling to her knees in front of my kid brother. Clio was next to her, smiling down to her brightly. I was happy that Mai had finally come out and been open with her friends and family. I'd known for a while that she was gay because I'm nosey and like to read people's journal's and just get rid of them whenever I was done with them—but I put Mai's back where I found it because learning about secrets was different than inadvertently outing someone. So I let her live her life of lies with not being true to who she really was, but I was pretty sure she understood now. "It's not much," Mai said as Renjiro opened up the massive gift she had gotten for him. "It's just like a bunch of necessities for living on your own. I didn't end up doing it, but I hear it's hard, and you're going to school next year right?"

Renjiro looked proudly to Kana and nodded his head, "Sure am," he grinned.

Kana was looking into the box too and her smile grew wider. She pulled out a book from the box and laughed, "This is such a good book—very informative. You know, I read this as a child..." Kana was droning on about something that was probably supposed to be interesting but wasn't.

I noticed Tenshi and Hiro laughing together and feeding sweets to their partners. Obviously something had gone on between the two of them to make them so happy and open with each other again. I wondered what had happened to the cello that he so desperately needed, but knew that it was none of my business. So, naturally, I was going to go find out pretty soon because I was possibly the most invasive person ever. Or, as Azura so kindly put it, I was 'highly inquisitive and worried about the reality of the situation for others'. That wasn't true of course, but it was so cute that he thought to make me feel better about my so called 'flaws'.

Tenshi had obviously decided that doing the right and honourable thing didn't always mean that he had to do what others wanted him to, and Hiro had finally followed through on being there for someone other than himself. I was happy to see their reconciliation, but that didn't mean I wasn't concerned about the cello! I had paid Mimi dearly for that.

"I've decided your payment," Mimi said through the phone, having wakened me up way too early. Like at two in the afternoon. "You have to compliment me twelve times before Christmas."

"That's ridiculous," I said groggily.

"Mhm, yep," Mimi agreed, "And each compliment must include something about how young and beautiful I still am."

My mind naturally wandered over to Izumi because of the cello incident but she had no cello with her either, not that I was surprised. She was too small to carry one by herself. Izumi made her way over to Mai and tapped her on the shoulder before lazily holding out two tickets. Mai looked shocked and turned away from my brother to see the girl who was offering her a gift. "What's this?"

"I'm your Secret Santa," Izumi said, sounding rather bored, "Surprise. Here."

Mai took the tickets and stood up so Clio could look them over as well. "Oh my God!" Clio gasped, "These are backstage passes—"

"Izumi, how did you get these?" Mai gasped.

Izumi shrugged, not willing to divulge her secrets to the common folk. "I figured since you want to be a reporter you could practice on these guys. I don't know, they're famous apparently. I've never heard of them."

She had to be lying, because by the look on Mai and Clio's faces, they were a pretty popular band—whoever they were. It would be kind of funny if it was the Teenage Wolves but I didn't even know if they were still making music. Yamato had to be like two hundred years old by now and since the rest of the teenage wolves were married to those three sisters and had their own lives it made sense that they would just stop. I made a mental note to check and see whenever I had the chance.

"She's nicer than I thought," Clio said as Izumi walked away. Mai and Clio laughed with one another and then rushed off to talk about the passes they'd been given.

By the looks of Renjiro, he was having a wonderful time again after learning about his acceptance. He hadn't told me, so it was a good thing Monmon—who hadn't actually gone to the digimon Christmas party—had been hiding in that closet when they jumped in there or I'd never be one of the first in on the scoop. He probably told his friends before I had a chance to learn though. Louisa started spreading the word immediately with her big mouth. I would have been annoyed with her, but she'd really gone all out in the Christmas party. She'd taken a lot of bullying in school from what I could tell and she fought against it all of it to persevere and have the perfect holidays, dragging everyone else in on her generosity along with it. She'd even bought me a present from Santa. And she was repaid by Haruki expressing his love for her or something. They were together now anyway and it was nice to see.

Haruki wasn't the only one who had spoken up though. Shouta was inside again now, but still with Iris and the two were laughing—shyly of course—with one another while Madlyn told jokes. All of their digimon sat around them too. Shouta had stepped through his fears and conquered them and was now spending time with the sweet Iris and the sour Madlyn who were probably as opposite as it could get, so I was surprised to find that they were still working together so well.

And Aika had finally decided what she wanted and put on a brave face, taking the boy up on his persistent offers because he had finally decided that he wanted to be friends above all else—again, Monmon was spying obviously. It was a good thing I had him around because otherwise I'd be so out of the loop. It was also a good thing I'd learned how to speak his weird screaming language because he simply refused to learn mine.

"I don't understand you!" I could remember screaming at him.

"AHHHH! AH! AHHH!" Monmon shouted back.

"Ohh," I said, nodding along, finally understanding. "Why thank you!"

Nikko's constant and incessant positivity and optimism had won out in the end and he'd gotten the girl of his dreams who had finally accepted that living her own world of truths wasn't nearly as fulfilling as living among friends. I was sure she'd still be Chika—aka insane—but maybe she wouldn't need to befriend snowballs anymore and instead could just be friend with the people around her. Best of all was that she and Aika both got to be included and now no one was left on the outside looking in. That was thanks to Osamu really because he'd finally stood up for himself and what he wanted and expressed his thoughts and ideals just like he always should have been doing.

Taro and Yukai even learned a bit about themselves and their destiny. Taro was obviously head over heels in love with Yukai, and while they were only nine years old, I was hoping for a little miracle to help pull them together.

And Makoto, oh Makoto. Makoto learned nothing. Like seriously, what was that boy doing? I was honestly just hoping that whatever he was doing when he left last night—without telling any of us—he learned something valuable about himself, because otherwise that kid was slacking. This was the most productive Christmas ever and he was already making me angry. When he'd left I'd been forced to look for him and like, care that he was gone but did it really matter? He was like ten years old. Maybe more. I couldn't tell.

So other than Makoto, this had been a pretty amazing Christmas. The sun was down now though and we had been promised that the lights would shine when the sun was gone. I was just excited to have the perfect Christmas feeling but it was just taking way too long. I was also convinced that Louisa had forgotten about the lights because of her new boyfriend.

I heard a loud "Ooooh!" and saw Madlyn peering over her sister's shoulder to the box in her hand as Azura handed off his present to her. He'd been her Secret Santa, but he didn't even know her so I was doubtful that he'd gotten her something she'd actually like. When Madlyn reached for it though I found that it was a stuffed toy, which was pretty lame, but Iris was so sweet and thankful. Azura really lucked out—if he'd gotten that for say, Izumi, then he'd be in for a world of trouble.

"That's not fair!" Josei shouted from nearby. Oh yeah, I'd forgotten about her somehow. I was literally the worst babysitter. It was a good thing the parents were back and able to count their own children so I didn't have to. I did find my eyes wandering over to Taro though since he was so often forgotten. He was still here which was good. "I haven't gotten my present yet!"

She was pretty annoying but she was only six and I was hoping that one day she would learn something actually important. I was still learning myself though and I was probably the brattiest one here other than her. I could still remember the day I was told to learn though. It wasn't too long ago, really.

"So," Iori said, turning away from the group, "I'm going to get this out of the way first."

"Yeah, good thinking," I told him, still watching the weird mist disperse. There had been something there a moment before telling my dad and his friends that they had to pass off the Crests and allow the cycle to continue, "I wouldn't want the Crest either. You've all been fighting your entire lives because of them. That's the worst thing ever, I mean seriously, could it be worse at all? Drafted to war because the universe wants you to fight and then you have to wake up early because the world is ending and ugh, I've had enough fighting personally. Remember when Sigma tried to steal my body? Or when the worlds consistently tried to end? Or when I was kidnapped at my mom and dad's first attempt at a wedding. Yeah, well I do, gee I'm so glad I never had a Crest—anyway, who are you passing that off to then Iori?"

He cleared his throat and said nothing as the light shot from him directly toward me.

"Seriously?" I asked dryly.

Haruki was next, only a few weeks later, when Sora finally finished explaining to him what she thought love meant. It was a big deal for her and for him and for everyone. Love was pretty important. Then Mai, then Kana and Renjiro and then Tenshi and one by one each of them received their Crests and the cycle continued. Most recently I was pretty sure it had been Hikari and Kurayami handing their Crests to Iris and Madlyn—another really big deal because they were the balance of everything and now it was in Madlyn's hands. She couldn't even balance the sanity in her mind.

As Josei complained, Iris and Madlyn continued their ever pressing glares to Taro and Yukai as Izumi came up behind them. She looked nervous. "Guys," she said to them, catching their attention. "I've been lying to all four of you. You don't actually hate each other, I just said that because I wanted more attention. I'm sorry for making you all hate each other."

"Wait, why are you telling us now?" Taro asked. Silence followed his words.

"Why are you telling us now?" Madlyn asked.

"Because it was important for you to know," Izumi said, answering Madlyn instead—not being malicious to Taro or anything, she just hadn't heard him. No one ever did. "I didn't want to continue stringing you all along. I'd rather just be friends together."

Iris, Madlyn, Taro and Yukai—who had all learned to get along during that very day—all looked to each other and nodded. "We'll forgive you," Yukai decided.

"We still love you," Iris assured her.

Josei was done complaining but was still visibly sad that she had yet to receive a present. I wondered if everyone else had gotten one already too. Renjiro had recently given his gift to Makoto which was some kind of sheet music for the most popular Broadway productions and Makoto was still flipping through the book. Maybe he'd learn something on Broadway one day. Even I had gotten a present which was just a jar of dirt, and that sucked but I probably deserved that for being so obnoxious and trying to trick everyone out of their presents.

Despite what everyone probably thought, I did feel kind of bad about that, which was why Josei's pouting was the perfect opportunity for me to get to work. I moved upstairs quickly and grabbed the big bag of gifts. They were mostly candy and toys and books and stuff, but I didn't have a lot of money. I did however need to make it up to the others if I ever hoped to be forgiven. Kana and Renjiro were especially annoyed with me, and I loved them both as, you know, subjects to prank, but also as my brother and his weird girlfriend.

I cleared my throat loudly when I was back in the living room and eventually all eyes turned to me, but it took way longer than it was supposed to. I dropped the bag in front of me and Monmon began digging through it. I swatted him away and he looked hurt. "Hello everyone, my name is Emiko Kido and I will be your speaker for this evening."

"Emiko, what are you doing?" Kana asked.

"I'm here to apologize," I told her, "It was wrong of me, an adult, to try to steal Christmas from you, a bunch of children, and as an apology, I am here to give you each a handpicked present." I didn't get to say much else because Josei—along with a bunch of the other kids and digimon were hurrying forward. It was good that I'd thought about the digimon though because otherwise they'd be so out of luck.

"I got a banana!" Agumon shouted excitedly.

"I got batteries!" Tanemon shrieked with joy.

"A box of tissues!" Pal and Pul exclaimed.

Okay, so they were handpicked, but they weren't exactly personalized. Josie received doll clothes for a doll that Izumi had been gifted, and they decided to share. Other presents included a book on philosophy for Renjiro (one that had been given to me by some weird casting director guy), a day planner for Kana and a bunch of candy for the other kids. Renjiro was pushed aside where he was forced to stand with Hideto and Aika was shoved nearby as Kiyoko caught her before she fell to the floor. Haruki nearly trampled Chibomon and Minomon but Sora helpfully pulled him aside.

Monmon was last, waiting patiently and he pulled out a heavy bag that I'd thrown in here. "They're rocks," I told him. He looked up to me like I was the best person in the world, which was pretty much true. He'd probably break a bunch of stuff in my house with those rocks by using his slingshot but whatever.

Shouta and Chika stepped out of the group of people shouting about candy and found themselves near Taichi, Neo and Rei. Kana was smart enough to get out of the way on her own and walked to the clearest space where only Upamon, Tentomon and Koushiro were standing, but not before pointing out Madlyn's rampage to Hikari as she and Kurayami moved in to pull the twins from the crowd.

"Emiko, this was very kind of you," Dad said, holding a single sock. He was being sarcastic probably but I hugged him anyway. He hugged me back. Iori was standing right next to him with Armadillomon, Gomamon, Hiro and Tokomon. "Merry Christmas, Emiko."

"You too, Dad." I said, watching over his shoulder as Daisuke pulled some of Makoto's candy from his hands. In his attempt to get it back he crashed into Tenshi who fell into Miyako and the domino effect didn't stop there as Ken nearly toppled over onto Izumi. She helped them all to their feet and they all backed away from Daisuke and Makoto together.

"Has everyone gotten their presents then?" Azura asked loudly. I was surprised though because he was usually such a shy guy. His face did turn red, but he had Kotemon with him to back him up. All eyes turned on him as Yamato and Takeru paired up the socks I'd given them. "I have something really important to do, so like... yeah."

He backed away nervously and fell to his knees next to his bag and Dad watched him with one eyebrow raised. "What's that boy up to?" he asked.

I knew. Azura was digging around but came up empty handed. His face paled as he kept digging, throwing everything out at random. "Just—sorry, one second." There was a murmur passing through the crowd of like a bajillion people as Azura grew more and more frustrated and nervous. There was something he was trying to find, but it wasn't going to be in there. "I know it's here somewhere..." it wasn't.

"Well," I said loudly, capturing all eager eyes. They were all desperate to turn their attention away from the mess that was my boyfriend. "Since he's busy looking for something, I have an announcement to make too. I did not buy a present for my Secret Santa. Oops," I shrugged, and everyone rolled their eyes because it was a stupid announcement. Well that was true. Elliot pushed past Yamato and was standing with him now as Nikko popped up next to Takeru. "But I do have what he's looking for," I said as I made my way to Azura. My heart was beating nervously though and that sucked because I was a pretty outgoing and confident person. But for some reason I couldn't shake the nerves that were creeping through my body. I grabbed Azura's arm and dragged him to his feet before taking his place on the floor on one knee.

"Oh my god, Emiko," Azura rolled his eyes as I pulled the black box I'd stolen from him out of his bag. "Did you actually—?"

"Silence, Boyfriend." Azura laughed and gave me the okay to continue as everyone around us held their breath. Louisa pushed her way to where her father stood in the front of the crowd, shoving Osamu into Mari sharply, but apologizing at least. "Azura, my lovely boo. I've known you forever, and you were the most annoying kid in my class, but you were also the only one who ever gave me the time of day or noticed the things I actually loved about myself. You saw my dancing and you saw my pranks. You never made fun of that ridiculous monkey costume like all the other kids... and as we grew up you were my best friend—" a shriek sounded behind me. "Along with Monmon," I corrected. "I love you because you're the only person who has ever told me to keep doing what I do and be me no matter how over the top I get. I love you because you're the best person in the entire world, and I want to marry you." There was a pause and I got to my feet and handed him the ring, "Get down there and ask me then."

I heard Mom laugh loudly, but there were tears of joy too. I could just tell. When I looked to her I found that I was right and she was holding Bearmon and Bukamon as Renjiro and Kana stood nearby. Gomamon and Dad were nearer to me watching with wide eyes and for a moment I thought Dad would object but he simply nodded his head.

Azura cleared his throat, "Emiko Kido, will you marry me?"

"Oh my god this is so surprising!" I gasped out, looking around, pretending to be flustered. "I'm really going to have to think about this." Azura rolled his eyes again. "I'm kidding!" I said loudly, throwing my hand out to him. "Of course I will marry you! Put the ring on my finger, Baby!" Azura did as was asked of him and the entire room burst into applaud and I loved every minute of it. Being the center of attention was something I loved doing. Seven years ago I had staged a ploy about being pregnant just to get attention, and I was proud to say that I hadn't had a baby yet.

Yet.

"While everyone is gathered and quiet," Ryou said, stepping away from the crowd, "I do have one last present to give." Everyone turned to Josei because it was so obvious that it was for her since she was the only person who had yet to receive her Secret Santa gift. She shyly stepped away from the crowd, passing between Yukai and Taro as Willis helped her along, and stood in the center with Ryou and was holding Pururumon close to her chest. Ryou smiled at her as his girlfriend made her way through the crowd to stand in the front and watch him. Cyberdramon and Renamon were watching now too.

"Is it for me?" Josei asked.

Ryou laughed and nodded, crouching down to see her at eye level. "It is," Ryou assured her. "Everyone else has already done this, and I guess it's time for me to as well. I've been running through time and space and jumping between worlds and running for my life. I've passed between several partners and fought in several wars for the safety of all worlds, and about seven years ago I finally defeated the final Great Evil. While that was amazing, I wasn't quite done. I had a few loose ends to tie up, and now I'm done that." Josei nodded and I actually thought she might be listening to his story even. "I'm finally done. My adventure is over and my duty is no more. I can finally just live."

"That's so happy," Josei told him, snuggling up to her partner. "So what does that mean?"

"It means I don't need my Crest anymore, Josei," Ryou said with a smile. Miyako gasped and Ken smiled. He'd carried the Crest of Trust around with him for a long time looking for its true owner and now it was coming back into his family with his youngest daughter. "It's time for me to pass it to you."

Josei looked excited but nervous too.

Louisa and Michael had already made their way to the light switch since the sun was fully down now and just as the light flashed from Ryou, passing on to Josei, the house lights went down and the Christmas lights came on.

But they weren't alone.

Elliot's Crest of Friendship was glowing as he looked over to Aika and her Crest of Desire burned just as bright. Courage was shining next to her as he looked over to the mess that was the Crest of Light and Darkness shining from Iris and Madlyn collectively. Haruki's Crest of Love shone as he reached out to Louisa whose Strength was glowing in her chest. Kana was still near Koushiro and he was impressed to see her purple glow for Knowledge and Renjiro was looking up Hideto with Pride glowing too. Tenshi's Honour was glimmering and even Izumi had her Kindness shining. Hiro's Faith and Makoto's Humility shone—somehow—and Chika's Honesty was all she and Motimon were able to focus on. Mai and Clio cuddled closer as Mai's Purity shone between the two of them and Nikko's Hope was glowing nearby. Taro and Yukai laughed at one another as they lit up like a light bulb—because of their Crests Miracles and Destiny—and Willis who was still standing over them looked impressed, but Terriermon and Lopmon were busy dancing around the two of them. Even Osamu managed to get his Crest of Tenacity into action and as I looked down to my own chest I saw the Crest of Forgiveness burning and there was a warm feeling spreading through my chest.

I looked to Azura and to Monmon and Bearmon and Kotemon—my team of mischief—and smiled. The Cycle of the Crests had continued and we were all here to share it with each other on the best Christmas ever.