Disclaimer: The wonderful characters of Fushigi Yuugi do not rightly belong to me. I'm only borrowing them for creative purposes. Please not lawsuits. Poor as dirt. Domo.
Chapter 14
Ruri was standing in the middle of her room, arms stretched out, and servants flitting about her. Her outer layer was of a light purple silk material while the layer beneath was white with a flower embroidered in purple on the chest of the material. The sash that was wrapped around her waist was dark purple. The hem of her dress went several centimeters past her feet while her sleeves went past her hands fell longer. A long shawl, the same color as her sash, was placed in her arms and swung gracefully behind her.
The past couple of weeks she had a difficult time choosing a gift for Tasuki. That was part of the reason for this celebration. Chichiri let her know that Tasuki's birthday was coming up, figuring she would want to give him a gift. Ruri had the hardest time thinking of what to get him but while getting dressed she finally figured out what to give to Tasuki for his present.
"Why are there so many friggin' layers?" Ruri grumbled, as one of the girls finished clasping on a thin silver chain around her sash.
"It's what all ladies wear, Ruri-sama."
Ruri sighed and started towards the vanity. Unfortunately, the slip she had to wear under her dress didn't allow for very big steps and Ruri promptly stumbled. She stood and faced the ladies. "Don't tell me – small steps."
The four girls nodded, trying not to giggle as Ruri promptly stepped on the hem of her dress. Ruri then picked the front of her dress, walked over to the vanity and sat down while grumbling under her breath. The girls then started on her hair and face. Ruri reached over to a small box and opened it, revealing the earrings Kouji gave her. Beneath the earrings, lay a long, thin gold chain with an opened fan facing down with the kanji 'destiny' etched. The moment she found the necklace she always had it with her but rarely wore it. To her it was something precious because it reminded her of Tasuki. Who knew that she was really going to fall in love with him and feel this way.
"I would like to wear these with the gown." A maid took them and proceeded to put it on her.
>
"Oi, do we really have to wear all this crap?" Tasuki complained. He finished slinging on his sheath that held his tessen. He was wearing a dark red silken shirt with a white shirt underneath and a darker red vest. His pants were white with a dark belt and dark boots.
Chichiri and Kouji also discarded their daily wear for a more extravagant look. Both were wearing what Tasuki was wearing except Chichiri was wearing green while Kouji was wearing dark blue.
"It's a celebration, no da. And besides, we are honorary guest, no da." Chichiri said.
"Not to mention," Kouji added, "it's a small price to pay for some good alcoholic drinks. You're right Kouji! Tonight we party! Hell yeah!"
A knock came at the door and two servants entered and bowed. "It is time." The three nodded and headed out the door.
Tasuki headed the other way, "You guys go ahead. I'm gonna go get Ruri." Chichiri and Kouji nodded.
>
Ruri looked in the mirror and hardly recognized herself. Her face was lightly powdered to give a soft glow and light make up was done. Her hair was done up extravagantly with a thin circlet.
When a knock came from the door, she walked over and opened the door revealing a very handsome Tasuki. She couldn't help staring. Wow, she thought. He looks awesome.
Tasuki stared at Ruri, hardly believing she was the woman he was in love with. Gods, she's even more beautiful! Tennyou. He smirked inwardly. She'd be a goddess if she didn't have all that on.
"You look great," they said in unison. They blushed at the same time.
Tasuki covered the distance between them and had Ruri in his arms. He started nuzzling her neck.
Ruri sweatdropped. "Ano, Gen-chan. You're going to ruin my makeup."
"You ain't going anywhere," he muffled voice said.
Inwardly, Ruri shook her head. "Gen-chan. What about the dinner? Don't you want to go? And anyway, they might be waiting for us."
"Let 'em wait." He started nibbling her neck. "I want you."
"Oi, Gen-chan." Ruri tried to ignore the shivers running down her spine. "We can afterwards."
He pulled away, smirking. "It's a promise." Ruri almost facefaulted.
She took the arm Tasuki offered and headed to the great dining hall. "Let's go consume some booze." Ruri laughed.
>
They made their way to the dining hall, where Kouji and Chichiri were standing at the door.
"Ready, no da?" Chichiri asked. They all nodded. Chichiri nodded at the two servants and the opened the door, which led to a glittering hall. There were long rows of tables filled with delicious food. Musicians performing occupied the middle of the floor.
At the head of everyone sat the empress and her son with four seats empty. The four made their way to the table and Houki stood to greet them.
"Minna-san," she started. "Thanks to these brave men-"
"And women," Ruri said under her breath. Tasuki poked her.
"-our country is now safe once more. The threat is gone. Let us celebrate this happy occasion."
Everyone clapped, but Houki help up her hand. "Also, to add to the occasion it is also a Suzaku Seishi's birthday." She turned to Tasuki, "Tasuki-san, may your years be plentiful."
With a chocked look, Tasuki bowed while everyone clapped. Chichiri, Kouji and Ruri smiled. Houki gestured them to sit.
As they went to sit, Ruri whispered in Tasuki's ear, "You're staying next to me, right?" He looked at her and nodded.
Ruri sat next to Boushin and Tasuki sat next to Ruri. Kouji and Chichiri sat on the other side of Houki.
Houki sat down and everyone started eating and talking. Ruri looked around and leaned towards Tasuki, "Are all the people here noblemen and women?"
Tasuki skimmed over the people and nodded. "Yep. All are loaded and have power."
Ruri nodded and felt a tug on her sleeve. She looked down and saw Boushin smiling up at her. "Isn't this exciting, Ruri nee-chan? There's going to be dancers and everything!" The he leaned over to look at Tasuki, "Uncle Tasuki! I have a gift for you!"
Tasuki looked over at him, "Really?"
"Hai!" He pulled out a package and stretched out his arms. Tasuki took the package and opened it. It was a small plaque with Tasuki name and star engraved in jade. Ruri's eyes widened.
"Hey Boushin, thanks!" Tasuki said. "This is more than what I expected. I'm really honored." Boushin smiled proudly.
"Ne, Boushin-chan, did you pick it out yourself?" Ruri asked.
"Hai. Okaa-sama said I could choose what I would like to give to him. Okaa-sama did help pick it out."
"It's a great gift," Tasuki said. Boushin beamed.
He turned to his mother and tugged on her sleeve. "Okaa-sama! Uncle Tasuki likes it!"
Houki smiled, "He does? Well that's a relief." Tasuki gave her a small bow.
Ruri looked in front of her and saw a bottle of sake. She picked it up and smiled at Tasuki. "Hai." She poured him a cup.
He gave her a fanged grin and downed it. After he was done, he held out his cup.
Ruri shook her head. "Uh-uh. I want you sober enough for later."
"C'mon Ruri. It's only my damn second drink," Tasuki complained.
"True," she poured him another cup. "Demo ne, I have control over your alcohol intake."
"Deal," he said downing his second cup.
The banquet continued and Ruri saw many spectacular things. Dangers, performers, acrobats, all performed. Around midnight, Ruri looked around the hall. Some nobles were leaving and more were still talking and drinking. She looked over to Houki and saw she was speaking with Chichiri while Kouji was flirting with a lady. Boushin was nodding off and Tasuki was drinking another cup, looking around.
"What's wrong Tasuki?" She asked.
"Nothin'. Only, royal celebrations are kinda boring." He explained, "All they really do is watch some performances, eat and talk about politics."
"Oh."
"But, in the city, it's major partying time." Tasuki said, grinning.
"Really? How so?"
Tasuki winked, "Celebration go on longer for one. But you have to experience it for yourself. I'll show ya tomorrow."
"Wai!" Ruri smiled and gave him a hug.
I should retire now." Houki said, looking down at Boushin. The small prince was now leaning on his mother and sleeping peacefully. Houki gently picked up her son.
"He's getting big to be carried in your arms, Houki-san." Ruri said.
"Hai," Houki smiled sadly. "That's why I hold him as much as possible." She stood up, "Oyasumi nasai, minna-san."
"Oyasumi nasai," they all said. As they watched Houki leave, Kouji turned to Tasuki.
"Oi, Genrou." Tasuki turned to him. "Chichiri and I got ya a gift, too."
Tasuki looked at the two and Chichiri nodded. "Well," he said. "What is it?"
Kouji brought out a package and handed it to Chichiri. In turn, Chichiri gave the girt to Tasuki.
Tasuki took the gift and quickly took out his gift from the wrapping. His eyes widened and looked at the two. "You guys…"
Ruri looked at it and her eyes widened. "Sugoi"
It was a new sheath for Tasuki tessen.
"C'mon, baka, try in on." Kouji said.
Tasuki nodded and removed his old one. Slinging his new one on, he fingered the detail of the sheath. It was almost identical to his old one except the character of all the Seishi were etched on it. He looked at his two closest friends, "Arigato. Honto da."
Kouji and Chichiri gave a smile and before things got really mushy, Kouji stood up, "Well, I have a secret date with one of the ladies. So if you'll excuse me." They all shook their heads as Kouji left.
"He never changes," Tasuki said.
Chichiri stood up as well, "I'm going to go to bed, no da. I'm glad you like your gift Tasuki-kun. Oyasumi." With a wave, Chichiri left leaving Tasuki and Ruri alone at the table.
Ruri turned to Tasuki, who was taking off his sheath, "Ne, Tasuki. Let's go, too."
Tasuki looked at her, "Why?"
"Because I want to give you your gift."
"Why not here?"
Ruri sweatdropped, "Because I have to give it to you in private."
"Oh." Tasuki go the point and gave a fanged grin. "So why are we here? Let's go!"
Ruri laughed and stood as Tasuki did and headed out the door.
>
When the couple reached Tasuki's room, she closed it and turned to Tasuki. "So, where's my gift?"
"Well," she started, walking towards him. "First, I would like to give you this." She reached behind her neck and removed her necklace, the word 'destiny' facing him. "This necklace is very precious to me. First, it reminded me of you. But now, with the words 'destiny', it came to mean much more to me." She took Tasuki's hand and put her necklace in his hands. "I want you to have it. To remember me by, no matter where we are."
Tasuki opened his mouth but Ruri spoke before he could say anything. "You don't have to wear it or anything. Just keep it with you. It's just that… I don't want you to ever forget me." She looked down and slightly blushed. "I know this may sound stupid and jealous-like, but I love you so much. I don't- I don't want to be forgotten." There was silence.
Tasuki looked at the necklace, at Ruri, and back at the necklace. He gripped it and drew Ruri into his arms. "Baka," he whispered. "Why the hell would you think I would forget about you? We're always going to be together." He drew back a little and tilted her head up to meet his eyes. Her brown eyes were wavering with unshed tears. There was also something else… like fear? "You helped find myself again. There will never be anyone else and I will NEVER forget about you."
Ruri blinked and smiled. I guess this is what true love it like, she thought.
Tasuki gave a smirk and bent down for a long, tender kiss. This is so perfect. They pulled away and Ruri smiled.
"So was that it?" Tasuki asked and Ruri's smile got bigger. Tasuki blinked. He could've sworn that he saw a glint in her eyes and it was anything but good.
But before he could think about it further, Ruri took his head and brought it down level with hers. She then zeroed in on his lips and gave him a very forceful kiss. As they were kissing, she pushed him onto the bed, propping her knee on the bed between his legs. She finally pulled away and stood, smirking.
Tasuki was shocked. His mouth was still open and he was staring up at Ruri. Where the fuck did she learn how to do that?
Ruri leaned on Tasuki and whispered in his ear. "And there's more. Happy birthday."
>
The next morning, Tasuki slowly opened his eyes and stared up at the ceiling. What happened last night was still lingering in his head. He had no idea she was that imaginative. Gods, what the hell do they teach in her world? He looked down at Ruri, who was sleeping peacefully with a small smile on her lips. He shook his head. You'd think a girl like her would be so damn innocent. I mean, she has an innocence about her. But holy shit, she can have a dirty mind if she wants to.
Ruri shifted and turned, her back now facing him. He wrapped his arms around her, "Ai shiteru," he whispered.
"Then take a bath with me," Ruri mumbled.
Tasuki pulled back a little, "The hell? How long were you awake?"
"Just in time to hear say, 'Ai shiteru'." She opened her eyes and turned to Tasuki, "Ohayo."
"Ohayo," Tasuki replied.
"So how about that bath?"
Later, after their bath, the two were now completely awake and dressed. Both were sitting on Tasuki's bed and he was slowly brushing Ruri's hair. He kept brushing her until in was silky soft. Ruri sighed, turned to him and gave him a quick kiss.
"Arigato!" She picked up her brush and hopped off the bed. "Ne, Gen-chan, you'll brush my hair once in a while, ne?"
Tasuki smiled, "Whenever I can Ruri."
"Wai!" Ruri smiled and put her brush away. "So what do you want to do today?" She looked over at Tasuki.
"Why don't we go into the city for some celebrating?"
"Sounds good to me."
Tasuki looked down and struggled with what he wanted to say. I'm gonna make an ass of myself. He cleared his throat. "Oi, Ruri. There's something I gotta ask ya before we do anything else." He paused, but she didn't say anything. He continued, "Well, damn. It's just… well…"
Ruri knew Tasuki was saying something to her that was pretty important but something else was drawing her attention. Her right arm seemed to have a red tinge to it and as she looked harder, the glow got brighter. All of a sudden a red spark traveled up her arm. Her eyes widened and looked around her body. She was glowing all over! "Tasuki!" She cried out.
Tasuki looked up and his eyes widened as well. His amber eyes did not believe what he was seeing. "OI! What the hell!" He bounded off the bed and hurried towards her.
Ruri desperately looked at Tasuki, "What's going on!"
"You're going home," a raspy voice answered.
The two of them turned to see Taiitsukun. Ruri's eyes widened. "Taiitsukun! Please! Please, couldn't I stay longer?"
Taiitsukun shook her head. "I let you stay longer than needed. You finished your task a while ago. And if you stay any longer, people will know you're missing."
"Dammit!" Tasuki yelled. "Why didn't you warn us earlier!"
"You were all occupied the last several hours, were you not?" More red sparks flew across Ruri's body. "I'm sorry, but this is how it must be."
Ruri turned to Tasuki, tearing flowing. "Demo! I don't want to leave!"
"We have no choice," Tasuki said through his teeth.
"Remember never to forget me?" Ruri pleaded. "And I'll never forget you!"
They met for one last passionate kiss as the sparks flew in a frenzy around her body. As they pulled away, she was starting to become transparent and he brushed a tear away.
"Ai shiteru, Gen-chan."
"Ai shiteru," he told her as she completely disappeared.
Silence fell over the room until it was broken by a loud heart-breaking scream, "KUSO!"
Kouji and Chichiri rushed to see what was the matter and saw the leader of the Mt. Reikaku bandits kneeling on the floor, tears streaming down his face.
As Ruri was being taken home, she called out to Taiitsukun. "Taiitsukun, can I ever come back?"
"Is your love for him that strong, child?"
Ruri nodded. "Yes, it is. I love him unconditionally and I'll do anything to be with him again."
"You may be able to be reincarnated. But that means you must pass on in your world."
"Then please, when I do, may I be reincarnated so that I will meet him again? And that I will remember everything?"
"You are asking for much child. Do you really love him that much?"
"Hai, I do. I'd risk anything." She said.
"Very well."
With that, Ruri landed in her room with her bag at her feet.
"However, you must be patient," Taiitsukun's fading voice said.
Ruri sank to her knees and cried.
Author's note: Well, this was the final chapter. I hope you all enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it ) Thanks for all the wonderful reviews. Now I know that the ending is really depressing, but I have been working on the second part. It was even depressing for me. Be sure to keep an eye out. Thank you! –Ruri-chan 4/05