Disclaimer: I don't own... Wait, why am I writing this again?! What's the point?!? You all know that I don't own it, so why say it?! Sorry, spaz attack...
Chapter 26: The Four Warriors
Jade stood shakily, facing her best friend. Tara had her scimitar in hand, the symbol on her hand, "water", glowing brightly. "Well, looks like it's just you and me, Stevens." Jade's eyes narrowed as she drew her sword. "I suppose so, Robinson." Tasuki's eyes grew wide. "Jade, wait! Don' do it!" She turned to look at him, her eyes sad and hurt. "Tasuki, do you doubt me?" He stared at her, stunned. He finally managed to shake his head, and she turned back to lock eyes with Tara. Taishi suddenly came trotting up, her mane flowing as she stopped right beside the fighters. She returned to human form, her eyes full of sadness. "It has come..." she whispered quietly. Then, the sound of hooves filled the room, and Jade instinctively looked, expecting a horse, but instead, a majestic stag cantered in, it's feet barely seeming to touch the floor. But instead of being solid, it was misty in apperance, almost like a hologram. Then as it slowly changed into a human, the Suzaku Warrior (a.n. For this chapter, I will refer to each of the Celeste Warriors as the (God) Warrior, just to make it easier) realized that it was no mere stag. "Tei..." she breathed as she looked at the woman beside her. Tei had long, midnight black hair styled similar to Hotohori's in his casual warrior outfit and dark blue eyes, the symbols for Genbu and "earth" on her forehead and hand. She turned as two more figures entered the room. The one was a hazy Hikitsu, and the other had long light brown hair in a long ponytail like Tamahome's. They both walked over to their warriors, and Jade realized that the other man was Karasuki. The Genbu and Byakko Celeste Warriors drew their swords and said together "When the Four Warriors and their Protectors unite, a catalasmic battle will ensue between the God of the South and the God of the East. They will fight until one will forever triumph over the other..." Tasuki's eyes widened as he looked around. So they were all together...but what about Shoshi's protector? As if to answer his question, flute music filled the room. Tara whirled around. "Ami-sama?!" she cried to the empty air behind her, but there was no answer, just the gentle harmony of the flute. Turning back to her enemy, the Seiryu Warrior glared. "It's all your fault Amiboshi and I had to be seperated! Just so you could summon your stupid chicken god!!!" Jade's eyes began to glaze over red, her anger and resentment peaking. She stepped towards Tara and said coldly "Oh, trust me. You haven't seen what my chicken god can do yet..." Symbols flaring, she dove at her enemy. The swords clashed, and the decisive battle began.
The other two Warriors and their fellow seishi watched in silence as the two equally matched opponents collided. Tasuki, on the other hand, was pouring all of his chi into Jade, praying to keep her safe. 'Suzaku, you better damn well protect her, otherwise I'll go up there and kick your feathered ass, got it?!' Parrying and slicing, Jade used all of the techniques she had been taught at the palace. Since she had never really faught before she came into the Universe of the Four Gods, her fellow warriors had taken it upon themselves to teach her. Hotohori had taught her many sword skills, both offensively and defensively, as well as some fancy tricks. Nuriko had taught her how to use strength in certain places during a fight to give the most damage. Chiriko had shown her how to plan strategies and think ahead. She had learned simple martial arts from Tama, as well as using him as a sparring partner. All of her speed, quick reflexes, and advanced wrestling moves she had graciously learned from her beloved Tasuki. Now, it took everything she had to battle Tara, who had apparently learned a few things also. The dark haired girl opened up Jade's side, causing a grunt from the firey haired girl. She, in turn, slashed Tara's arm. After a while, they began to feel the effects of fatigue and exaustion, but they continued their death match. Luckily for the Suzaku Warrior, Tara's armor was heavier and harder to fight with, so she had the advantage when it came to flexibility and speed. Finally, the Seiryu Warrior drew back, and Jade smirked in victory. Suddenly, Tara's eyes went form dark brown to the color of flint, her dark brown hair began spreading down her body, and her nails grew into deadly, blunt claws. The Suzaku Warrior realized what she was planning and she closed her eyes in concentration. Black stripes snaked up her body, her hair turned bright orange and covered her body, and she too grew claws. Soon, a grizzly and a tiger faced each other. Say your prayers, Stevens. No tiger can face up to a grizzly!Jade snorted. Whatever...She launched herself at the grizzly and pinned her down. Tara flipped her over and began biting at her throat. The tiger pushed up with her hind legs, sending her opponent flying over her head. They continued snapping and clawing at each other, inflicting wounds all over. Soon, it became harder for Jade to see, because one of her head wounds was bleeding, and the blood was running into her eyes. She drew back for a second to wipe the blood away when she felt claws dig deep into her foot and drag her back. She screamed out in pain as her paw pad was opened up, spilling more blood. 'Please Suzaku...just let me die now...' she begged. Tara lifted up her heftly paw and was about to tear into Jade when a red light wrapped around the three Suzaku Warriors. We have to get out of here now! Yui just summoned Seiryu, no da!!!Chichiri yelled into their minds. Then, Jade felt herself disappearing, and the last thing she saw before blacking out was Tara's snarling face.
Later, Jade finally stirred. She realized that it was still nighttime, but she wasn't in Sairou anymore. In fact, she was in a room in the Konan palace. But it wasn't hers... She heard a grunt next to her, and she rolled over slightly to see Tasuki sleeping beside her. Then, she realized that his arm was around her waist, and that they were both naked. "Ack! You perv!" she sputtered, causing the confused bandit to jolt awake. "Wha's goin' on?" he asked groggily. "Tasuki, how did we get here?!" He sat up, yawning. "Well, 'Chiri transported us back here, and you were pretty messed up, so I cleaned ya up. Then, I was so tired, I just fell asleep right beside ya. I'm sorry for not wakin' you up, but I felt ya needed your rest..." She hugged him. "Don't worry about it...mmmmmm, you're nice and warm..." He gave her a fanged grin before pinning her onto the bed and kissing her. She tried to push him off, laughing, when the events of last night filled her head and tears sprung to her eyes. Tasuki broke off immediately. "Jade?! What's wrong?" She turned away. "W-we lost Chiriko...just like we lost Nuriko..." He pulled her into his strong arms. "I know...It'll take time, for those wounds to heal...but they will eventually. Besides, we've still got 'Chiri! That's a good thing!" She nodded. Even though he was being tactless and blunt, the sound of his voice always comforted her. They curled up together on the bed, just happy with each other's company. "An' we still have each other..." the bandit whispered in her ear. They slept until sunrise. When Jade's eyes first opened, she saw a mess of red hair, which she ruffled. Tasuki looked up at her, a devilish grin spreading across his face. He pounced on her, growling. The Celeste Warrior laughed and let him kiss her. Suddenly, a bolt of energy flew through their bodies, and their symbols flared brightly. "What the hell?!" Jade gasped as Tasuki held her close in fear. Then, in a flash, their symbols disappeared. "What was that?!" the bandit asked. Jade shook her head. "I don't know, but I feel weak..." She examined her hand, and though she tried her hardest, the symbol would not appear. The same was happening with Tasuki's. "Do you think..." she said quietly, eyes wide. Tasuki whipped out his tessan. "Rekka Shinen!" Nothing happened. Jade tried to turn into a tiger, but couldn't. She reached over for her sword and was about to draw it, but the moment she touched the hilt, she screamed out in pain. Looking at each other, the firey haired couple pulled on some clothes and ran down the hall to Miaka's room.
Tamahome was inside with Miaka, a suprised expression on his face. "Hey Tama! Can you use your powers?!" Tasuki asked as he stormed in, followed by Jade. "Wha-? Tasuki?" the seishi asked. "Don' ask questions, just try to use your powers!" Tamahome tried to fire off an energy blast, but couldn't. "Look, the ogre symbol on your forehead is gone!" Miaka cried. Chichiri appeared at the doorway with Mitsukake. "We can't use our powers either, no da!" Tasuki looked over at Jade, who's eyes were wide with fear. "Our characters won' appear either..." A gentle, commanding voice filled the room. "We are no longer celestial warriors. We are now just ordinary people...Or rather, Suzaku has just vanished. I believe...Suzaku has been sealed away...from us..." Everyone gasped. "Hotohori-chan, this is no way to welcome us back!" Jade laughed nervously. "I will explain everything once you have told me of your journey." Chichiri sighed and began the long tale.
Hotohori bowed his head after hearing what had happened in Hokkan and Sairou. "Nuriko...Chiriko...It seems as if Koutu wishes to declare war on us. We have no other choice but to fight them. It was foolish of us to rely on Suzaku's power alone, but we will not give up. We must fight for evey person in Konan so that they remain safe. Luckily, we have our commanding General here with us." he said, smiling. Jade was bewildered. "Who's that?" Everyone turned to look at her, and she flushed in embarassment. "O-oh..." Tasuki grinned at her and ruffled her hair. "Don' worry, onna. I'll be here t' help ya out." Chichiri removed his mask. "We all will, no da. Just say the word, and we'll do it." The Celeste Warrior was unused to such treatment, and was even more flustered as the all bowed in front of her. "Well, uh...let's just wait and see what happens, okay?" They nodded, and she sighed with relief. Suddenly, Tasuki and Tama's eyes grew wide. "AHHHHHHHH!!! NURIKO'S GHOST!!!" they screamed as they looked down the hallway. The bandit and the miser tore off, yelling. Jade turned to look also. A beautiful woman with elegant purple hair was walking towards them, looking puzzled. "Nuriko?!" she squealed. She went to hug her friend, when she realized that this person WAS a woman. "Whoops, sorry..." she sweatdropped. Hotohori grinned. "This isn't Nuriko! This is my wife, the Emporess of Konan." "Wife?" Miaka asked. Tasuki and Tama had ran the full length of the palace, and now came speeding back down the hall. Unfortunately for Jade, she was right in their path, so the three warriors landed in a jumbled heap. "SOMEONE'S GONNA HAVE HELL TO PAY!!!!" she screeched from beneath Tamahome. The two men lept off before she got any angrier, and stared at the Nuriko look-alike instead. "S-so, is this Nuriko?" Tasuki asked. Chichiri shook his head. "This is the Emporess, no da." The bandit just gwaked instead. "Ehhhhhhhh?!" She laughed. "Hello. You may call me Houki." she sid in a shy voice. Miaka grinned. "Hi, I'm Miaka Yuuki! It's nice to meet you!" Jade got up, dusting herself off. She offered her hand to the Emporess. "I'm Jade Stevens, or Kokyu, if you want to get technical. Please pardon my foolish actions earlier, but I thought you were Nuriko." The Emporer laughed. "I was surprised myself, when I saw how much she resembled him. I think Nuriko was trying to introduce us all along... Now, Miaka, you can get married yourself. Since You are not the Priestess anymore, and Tamahome isn't a Suzaku seishi, you two can get married. I'll arrange for everything, if you wish." Miaka gasped and looked over at Tamahome, who was just as surprised. Suddenly, a soldier came running in. "Your Highness, the Koutu army has just made a move to attack us! Their forces outnumber us three to one!" Tasuki grinned. "Heh, they're finally comin'! Let's get this show on the road!" Jade nodded. "We'll give them a fight to remember!" Miaka grinned also. "I'm coming with you guys!" Tamahome shook his head. "Miaka, you can't go! It's too dangerous!" The Priestess pouted. "Then how come Jade gets to go?! She's a girl too!"
"Because she's the Celeste Warrior!"
"I'm going, and you can't stop me!" Tama rolled his eyes. "Fine, but you're not leaving my horse!" he muttered. Jade grinned slyly at her koi. "Well Tasuki, shall we show them how to fight?" He grabbed her and spun her around. "You bet! Let's give this all we've got!" he cried, causing everyone to cheer.
Then, Houki talked to Jade privately. "Jade-san, His Highness once told me that you are 16, is that correct?" The younger girl nodded. "I see. That means that you are entering womanhood. Soon, you will be getting married, starting a family..." Jade flushed. She was guessing that Houki didn't know that Jade wasn't a virgin, and that's how she wanted it to stay. "Um...yeah. Right." The Emporess smiled. "So that means we will hold a Coming-of-Age Ceremony for you! Every girl has one when they are 16, so I'll make sure that you have one tonight, before you ride off to the battlefield." The girl nodded again, dumbfounded. "Uh, sure! What do I have to do?"
"Well, first, you'll need to dress very modestly, like a girl would. Then, you'll come in, being escorted by someone who represents your father. Then, I will meet you up on the platform with servants and attendants and any women who you wish to represent your sisters. We will undress you and redress you in clothing a woman would wear, fix your hair up, that sort of thing. After saying a special chant, a man representing your future husband will escort you off of the platform. Okay?" Jade nodded. "Okay."
Yet another cliffhanger...oh well...
Chapter 26: The Four Warriors
Jade stood shakily, facing her best friend. Tara had her scimitar in hand, the symbol on her hand, "water", glowing brightly. "Well, looks like it's just you and me, Stevens." Jade's eyes narrowed as she drew her sword. "I suppose so, Robinson." Tasuki's eyes grew wide. "Jade, wait! Don' do it!" She turned to look at him, her eyes sad and hurt. "Tasuki, do you doubt me?" He stared at her, stunned. He finally managed to shake his head, and she turned back to lock eyes with Tara. Taishi suddenly came trotting up, her mane flowing as she stopped right beside the fighters. She returned to human form, her eyes full of sadness. "It has come..." she whispered quietly. Then, the sound of hooves filled the room, and Jade instinctively looked, expecting a horse, but instead, a majestic stag cantered in, it's feet barely seeming to touch the floor. But instead of being solid, it was misty in apperance, almost like a hologram. Then as it slowly changed into a human, the Suzaku Warrior (a.n. For this chapter, I will refer to each of the Celeste Warriors as the (God) Warrior, just to make it easier) realized that it was no mere stag. "Tei..." she breathed as she looked at the woman beside her. Tei had long, midnight black hair styled similar to Hotohori's in his casual warrior outfit and dark blue eyes, the symbols for Genbu and "earth" on her forehead and hand. She turned as two more figures entered the room. The one was a hazy Hikitsu, and the other had long light brown hair in a long ponytail like Tamahome's. They both walked over to their warriors, and Jade realized that the other man was Karasuki. The Genbu and Byakko Celeste Warriors drew their swords and said together "When the Four Warriors and their Protectors unite, a catalasmic battle will ensue between the God of the South and the God of the East. They will fight until one will forever triumph over the other..." Tasuki's eyes widened as he looked around. So they were all together...but what about Shoshi's protector? As if to answer his question, flute music filled the room. Tara whirled around. "Ami-sama?!" she cried to the empty air behind her, but there was no answer, just the gentle harmony of the flute. Turning back to her enemy, the Seiryu Warrior glared. "It's all your fault Amiboshi and I had to be seperated! Just so you could summon your stupid chicken god!!!" Jade's eyes began to glaze over red, her anger and resentment peaking. She stepped towards Tara and said coldly "Oh, trust me. You haven't seen what my chicken god can do yet..." Symbols flaring, she dove at her enemy. The swords clashed, and the decisive battle began.
The other two Warriors and their fellow seishi watched in silence as the two equally matched opponents collided. Tasuki, on the other hand, was pouring all of his chi into Jade, praying to keep her safe. 'Suzaku, you better damn well protect her, otherwise I'll go up there and kick your feathered ass, got it?!' Parrying and slicing, Jade used all of the techniques she had been taught at the palace. Since she had never really faught before she came into the Universe of the Four Gods, her fellow warriors had taken it upon themselves to teach her. Hotohori had taught her many sword skills, both offensively and defensively, as well as some fancy tricks. Nuriko had taught her how to use strength in certain places during a fight to give the most damage. Chiriko had shown her how to plan strategies and think ahead. She had learned simple martial arts from Tama, as well as using him as a sparring partner. All of her speed, quick reflexes, and advanced wrestling moves she had graciously learned from her beloved Tasuki. Now, it took everything she had to battle Tara, who had apparently learned a few things also. The dark haired girl opened up Jade's side, causing a grunt from the firey haired girl. She, in turn, slashed Tara's arm. After a while, they began to feel the effects of fatigue and exaustion, but they continued their death match. Luckily for the Suzaku Warrior, Tara's armor was heavier and harder to fight with, so she had the advantage when it came to flexibility and speed. Finally, the Seiryu Warrior drew back, and Jade smirked in victory. Suddenly, Tara's eyes went form dark brown to the color of flint, her dark brown hair began spreading down her body, and her nails grew into deadly, blunt claws. The Suzaku Warrior realized what she was planning and she closed her eyes in concentration. Black stripes snaked up her body, her hair turned bright orange and covered her body, and she too grew claws. Soon, a grizzly and a tiger faced each other. Say your prayers, Stevens. No tiger can face up to a grizzly!Jade snorted. Whatever...She launched herself at the grizzly and pinned her down. Tara flipped her over and began biting at her throat. The tiger pushed up with her hind legs, sending her opponent flying over her head. They continued snapping and clawing at each other, inflicting wounds all over. Soon, it became harder for Jade to see, because one of her head wounds was bleeding, and the blood was running into her eyes. She drew back for a second to wipe the blood away when she felt claws dig deep into her foot and drag her back. She screamed out in pain as her paw pad was opened up, spilling more blood. 'Please Suzaku...just let me die now...' she begged. Tara lifted up her heftly paw and was about to tear into Jade when a red light wrapped around the three Suzaku Warriors. We have to get out of here now! Yui just summoned Seiryu, no da!!!Chichiri yelled into their minds. Then, Jade felt herself disappearing, and the last thing she saw before blacking out was Tara's snarling face.
Later, Jade finally stirred. She realized that it was still nighttime, but she wasn't in Sairou anymore. In fact, she was in a room in the Konan palace. But it wasn't hers... She heard a grunt next to her, and she rolled over slightly to see Tasuki sleeping beside her. Then, she realized that his arm was around her waist, and that they were both naked. "Ack! You perv!" she sputtered, causing the confused bandit to jolt awake. "Wha's goin' on?" he asked groggily. "Tasuki, how did we get here?!" He sat up, yawning. "Well, 'Chiri transported us back here, and you were pretty messed up, so I cleaned ya up. Then, I was so tired, I just fell asleep right beside ya. I'm sorry for not wakin' you up, but I felt ya needed your rest..." She hugged him. "Don't worry about it...mmmmmm, you're nice and warm..." He gave her a fanged grin before pinning her onto the bed and kissing her. She tried to push him off, laughing, when the events of last night filled her head and tears sprung to her eyes. Tasuki broke off immediately. "Jade?! What's wrong?" She turned away. "W-we lost Chiriko...just like we lost Nuriko..." He pulled her into his strong arms. "I know...It'll take time, for those wounds to heal...but they will eventually. Besides, we've still got 'Chiri! That's a good thing!" She nodded. Even though he was being tactless and blunt, the sound of his voice always comforted her. They curled up together on the bed, just happy with each other's company. "An' we still have each other..." the bandit whispered in her ear. They slept until sunrise. When Jade's eyes first opened, she saw a mess of red hair, which she ruffled. Tasuki looked up at her, a devilish grin spreading across his face. He pounced on her, growling. The Celeste Warrior laughed and let him kiss her. Suddenly, a bolt of energy flew through their bodies, and their symbols flared brightly. "What the hell?!" Jade gasped as Tasuki held her close in fear. Then, in a flash, their symbols disappeared. "What was that?!" the bandit asked. Jade shook her head. "I don't know, but I feel weak..." She examined her hand, and though she tried her hardest, the symbol would not appear. The same was happening with Tasuki's. "Do you think..." she said quietly, eyes wide. Tasuki whipped out his tessan. "Rekka Shinen!" Nothing happened. Jade tried to turn into a tiger, but couldn't. She reached over for her sword and was about to draw it, but the moment she touched the hilt, she screamed out in pain. Looking at each other, the firey haired couple pulled on some clothes and ran down the hall to Miaka's room.
Tamahome was inside with Miaka, a suprised expression on his face. "Hey Tama! Can you use your powers?!" Tasuki asked as he stormed in, followed by Jade. "Wha-? Tasuki?" the seishi asked. "Don' ask questions, just try to use your powers!" Tamahome tried to fire off an energy blast, but couldn't. "Look, the ogre symbol on your forehead is gone!" Miaka cried. Chichiri appeared at the doorway with Mitsukake. "We can't use our powers either, no da!" Tasuki looked over at Jade, who's eyes were wide with fear. "Our characters won' appear either..." A gentle, commanding voice filled the room. "We are no longer celestial warriors. We are now just ordinary people...Or rather, Suzaku has just vanished. I believe...Suzaku has been sealed away...from us..." Everyone gasped. "Hotohori-chan, this is no way to welcome us back!" Jade laughed nervously. "I will explain everything once you have told me of your journey." Chichiri sighed and began the long tale.
Hotohori bowed his head after hearing what had happened in Hokkan and Sairou. "Nuriko...Chiriko...It seems as if Koutu wishes to declare war on us. We have no other choice but to fight them. It was foolish of us to rely on Suzaku's power alone, but we will not give up. We must fight for evey person in Konan so that they remain safe. Luckily, we have our commanding General here with us." he said, smiling. Jade was bewildered. "Who's that?" Everyone turned to look at her, and she flushed in embarassment. "O-oh..." Tasuki grinned at her and ruffled her hair. "Don' worry, onna. I'll be here t' help ya out." Chichiri removed his mask. "We all will, no da. Just say the word, and we'll do it." The Celeste Warrior was unused to such treatment, and was even more flustered as the all bowed in front of her. "Well, uh...let's just wait and see what happens, okay?" They nodded, and she sighed with relief. Suddenly, Tasuki and Tama's eyes grew wide. "AHHHHHHHH!!! NURIKO'S GHOST!!!" they screamed as they looked down the hallway. The bandit and the miser tore off, yelling. Jade turned to look also. A beautiful woman with elegant purple hair was walking towards them, looking puzzled. "Nuriko?!" she squealed. She went to hug her friend, when she realized that this person WAS a woman. "Whoops, sorry..." she sweatdropped. Hotohori grinned. "This isn't Nuriko! This is my wife, the Emporess of Konan." "Wife?" Miaka asked. Tasuki and Tama had ran the full length of the palace, and now came speeding back down the hall. Unfortunately for Jade, she was right in their path, so the three warriors landed in a jumbled heap. "SOMEONE'S GONNA HAVE HELL TO PAY!!!!" she screeched from beneath Tamahome. The two men lept off before she got any angrier, and stared at the Nuriko look-alike instead. "S-so, is this Nuriko?" Tasuki asked. Chichiri shook his head. "This is the Emporess, no da." The bandit just gwaked instead. "Ehhhhhhhh?!" She laughed. "Hello. You may call me Houki." she sid in a shy voice. Miaka grinned. "Hi, I'm Miaka Yuuki! It's nice to meet you!" Jade got up, dusting herself off. She offered her hand to the Emporess. "I'm Jade Stevens, or Kokyu, if you want to get technical. Please pardon my foolish actions earlier, but I thought you were Nuriko." The Emporer laughed. "I was surprised myself, when I saw how much she resembled him. I think Nuriko was trying to introduce us all along... Now, Miaka, you can get married yourself. Since You are not the Priestess anymore, and Tamahome isn't a Suzaku seishi, you two can get married. I'll arrange for everything, if you wish." Miaka gasped and looked over at Tamahome, who was just as surprised. Suddenly, a soldier came running in. "Your Highness, the Koutu army has just made a move to attack us! Their forces outnumber us three to one!" Tasuki grinned. "Heh, they're finally comin'! Let's get this show on the road!" Jade nodded. "We'll give them a fight to remember!" Miaka grinned also. "I'm coming with you guys!" Tamahome shook his head. "Miaka, you can't go! It's too dangerous!" The Priestess pouted. "Then how come Jade gets to go?! She's a girl too!"
"Because she's the Celeste Warrior!"
"I'm going, and you can't stop me!" Tama rolled his eyes. "Fine, but you're not leaving my horse!" he muttered. Jade grinned slyly at her koi. "Well Tasuki, shall we show them how to fight?" He grabbed her and spun her around. "You bet! Let's give this all we've got!" he cried, causing everyone to cheer.
Then, Houki talked to Jade privately. "Jade-san, His Highness once told me that you are 16, is that correct?" The younger girl nodded. "I see. That means that you are entering womanhood. Soon, you will be getting married, starting a family..." Jade flushed. She was guessing that Houki didn't know that Jade wasn't a virgin, and that's how she wanted it to stay. "Um...yeah. Right." The Emporess smiled. "So that means we will hold a Coming-of-Age Ceremony for you! Every girl has one when they are 16, so I'll make sure that you have one tonight, before you ride off to the battlefield." The girl nodded again, dumbfounded. "Uh, sure! What do I have to do?"
"Well, first, you'll need to dress very modestly, like a girl would. Then, you'll come in, being escorted by someone who represents your father. Then, I will meet you up on the platform with servants and attendants and any women who you wish to represent your sisters. We will undress you and redress you in clothing a woman would wear, fix your hair up, that sort of thing. After saying a special chant, a man representing your future husband will escort you off of the platform. Okay?" Jade nodded. "Okay."
Yet another cliffhanger...oh well...