Disclamier: If you got to this chapter, I figured you already read the others, right? So there is no need to write this anymore. But just so I don't get in trouble, I don't own Fushigi Yuugi, just Jade, Tara, their families, and Taran.
Chapter 27: Ceremony
"Errrrrr, do I have to wear my hair like this?!" Jade growled as Miaka finished tying the older girl's long auburn hair into two buns. "Ooooooh Jade, it looks so cute!"
"Well duh, Miaka! That's because you wear your hair like that! Stupid ceremony..." the Celeste Warrior mumbled as she slipped on a plain russet colored dress and shoes. Then, a brown flash soared in and landed on Jade's shoulder. "Taran!" She happily began to stroke the hawk, who was nibbling her fingers fondly. Then, a servant girl popped her head in. "Your Eminence, Lady Kokyu, the ceremony is about to begin. Her Majesty is waiting outside the Shrine." They both nodded and walked over to the Shrine of Suzaku, where the ceremony was about to be held. Lady Houki met them outside. "Okay, Miaka. Let's go in awhile." she said softly to Miaka. Jade hugged the Priestess fondly, who was supposed to be representing her sister. "Good luck, Jade-chan!" the younger girl called as she went inside. Mitsukake, who was escorting Jade for the first part, smiled down at her and offered her his arm. She took it, returning the smile, and the two walked in and up to the platform. Then, the healer went down with Hotohori, Tamahome, and Chichiri, who were watching. Lady Houki, Miaka, and the servant girls closed the curtains around Jade and began to undress her and take out her hair. Then, they redressed her in the proper clothes of a woman and put her hair into an intricate bun. Then, Lady Houki fastened a beautiful sapphire choker around the Celeste Warrior's neck as a token of her adulthood. The Emporess stepped outside of the curtains and announced. "When she entered here, she was but a girl, lost and usure of her life ahead. Now, she comes forth as a young woman, independant and ready for her life's path. And now, Jade Stevens has become a woman of Konan and of Suzaku." Jade came out nervously, and the others gasped at how stunning she looked in the green dress that she wore maturely, emphasizing her nice figure and fit body. Tasuki grinned at her and escorted her off of the platform, squeezing her arm proudly. The others congradulated her before she went back to her room with the bandit to get ready for bed.
As she changed into shorts and a halter top, Tasuki told her about a really cool place he had found in the wood earlier, and he wanted to show it to her. She nodded and he took her into the woods. "Here it is..." he said quietly, and Jade gasped. They were near the bank of the river, in a small clearing surrounded by cherry trees in full bloom. The moonlight reflected off of the water to give the clearing a soft glow. "Oh Tasuki...it's beautiful..." she breathed. He smiled at her awe and wrapped his arms around her. "Well, a stunning place deserves a stunning woman, so that's why I brought you here...Jade?" She looked up at him. "Hmmm?"
"May I ask you something important?" She smiled. "Of course, my love." He seemed a little hesitant but he finally asked "What do you want to do with your life once the war is over?" She seemed puzzled, but she replied honestly. "Well...I suppose get married, start a family...things like that. Why, what do you want?" He tuned her so that she was facing him. "I want that, yes...but most of all, I want you..." he said softly. Then, he kneeled in front of her and pulled out a beautiful emerald ring. She gasped and began to cry as he took her hand and asked quietly "Jade...I want to be with you for the rest of my life. Will you honor me and become my wife?" She nodded, tears streaming down her face. He slid the ring onto her finger and kissed her passionately, which she returned just as fully. They were unsure of what tomorrow might bring, but they knew they would always remember that night when they promised their futures to each other.
The next morning, Jade hummed happily to herself as she put on a simple white tunic. She began singing into her brush, something she didn't do often.
"Always see it on T.V.or read it in the magazines
Celebrities want sympathy
All they do is piss and moan inside the Rolling Stone
Talking about how hard life can be
I'd like to see them spend the week livin' life out on the street
I don't think they would survive
If they could spend a day or two walking in someone else's shoes
I think they'd stumble and they'd fall
They would fall (fall)
Lifestyles of the rich and the famous
They're always complaining, always complaining
If money is such a problem
Well they got mansions
Think we should rob them
Did you know when you were famous
You could kill your wife and there's no such thing as
25 to life as long as you've got the cash to pay for Cochran
And did you know if you were caught and you were smoking crack
McDonald's wouldn't even want to take you back
You could always just run for mayor of D.C.
I'd like to see them spend the week livin' life out on the street
I don't think they would survive
If they could spend a day or two walking in someone else's shoes
I think they'd stumble and they'd fall
They would fall (fall)
Lifestyles of the rich and the famous
They're always complaining, always complaining
If money is such a problem
Well they got mansions
Think we should rob them
Lifestyles of the rich and the famous
They're always complaining, always complaining
If money is such a problem
You got so many problems
Think I could solve them
Lifestyles of the rich and famous
We'll take your clothes, cash cards, and homes just stop complaining
Lifestyles of the rich and famous
Lifestyles of the rich and famous
Lifestyles of the rich and famous..."
(A.N. I don't own that song, it's Good Charlotte's) Tasuki came in silently, watching her sing and dance. Chuckling, he saw her notice him and stop dead. "Shit..." she whispered before the bandit surprised her by giving her a fanged grin and a wink. "Awesome! Yer the most talented person I know, aisai..." She flushed deeply at the name he had used, which ment "beloved wife". "Arrigato, Fangs..." she mumbled before noticing his new outfit. He wore his plain white shirt under a dark green tunic and gold bracers. His pants were dark blue and his boots matched his tunic. And, as always, his now-useless tessan was strapped on with the old gold belt he always wore. Turning chibi and running over to him, her eyes turned starry. "Wow... you should wear green more often! I'll have to fight the women off of you!" she cried happily, wrapping her arms around his neck. He blushed deeply, embarassed by the compliments. "Onna, we have to go fight a war. This is no time t' be commentin' on my wardrobe!" he sighed, but his shining eyes gave him away. She kissed him on the forehead before going back to putting on her armor. He helped her, making sure that it was fastened correctly and vital spots were covered. "There. Now Jade-sama, listen to me. I know we planned things out earlier with our attack strategy, but I want you t' ride next to me so that I can protect you. I don't want to seem over-protective, but I don' wanna lose you." he said very seriously. She finished putting her hair up and met his eyes with hers. "T-tasuki...I don't want anything to happen to you..." she whispered, her eyes full of tears. He took her into his arms and held her close. "Don' worry, koishii...we will be married the moment this war has ended, I promise. Now then, let's go get the others..." She nodded and they went out to the main gate, where the others were assembled.
The five warriors and their Priestess rode out, Tasuki and Jade riding in the front on a beautiful black stallion. "Look at those clounds, no da!" Chichiri yelled to them over the noise. "It's Soi!" Miaka cried as bolts of lightning hit random Konan soldiers.
Sure enough, Soi, Nakago, Yui, Suboshi, and Tara were up on the rocks. Nakago lifted up his hand and fired a chi blast at Tamahome, who pulled out Hotohori's sword and deflected it. Suboshi smirked. "Heh, their marks won't even appear! It's true, they are now common people!" Tama had been knocked off of his horse, and Miaka got down beside him. "Tamahome!" He told her to run, but she wouldn't, because they promised they would be together forever. Jade's eyes narrowed as Tara and Yui whispered together for a moment before dismounting. The Celeste Warriors' eyes met for a second, and Tara gave a smirk of satisfaction. "Kai-jin!" she cried, as well as Yui. Seiryu's character appeared on their foreheads. Nakago turned to look, and Tasuki used this one chance. Whipping a sword out of the saddle bag, he threw it at the blond general. The aim was perfect, but Soi lunged in front of it and took the sword in her back instead. "Damn, I missed..." he said quietly. Jade looked up at him, and saw hatered in his eyes. "Tasuki?!" He looked down at her, surprised at her horror. "Sorry, but I was trying to kill that damn Nakago!" he said ressuringly, and she nodded, still a little shaken. The purple haired woman died silently, Nakago stunned at her selfless act. "Soi..." Suboshi let out a surprised cry as Yui and Tara began to glow blue."Take Miaka and I back so that she can never return to this world again!" the Priestess cried. Tara had a similar wish. "Seiryu, return us to America where we belong! Grant this first wish, oh great Lord of the East!" Then, a blue light surrounded Jade and Miaka. Tasuki grabbed his fiance desperately, afraid of losing her. "TASUKI!!!" she screamed out as her body began to disappear, and he vainly clung to her. Suddenly, she was gone, and all that was left was the jade wolf madallion that he had clutched in his hand.
I feel bad, leaving it on a cliffhanger like that, but here's where it gets interesting. The final battle is about to begin, so check back soon!
Chapter 27: Ceremony
"Errrrrr, do I have to wear my hair like this?!" Jade growled as Miaka finished tying the older girl's long auburn hair into two buns. "Ooooooh Jade, it looks so cute!"
"Well duh, Miaka! That's because you wear your hair like that! Stupid ceremony..." the Celeste Warrior mumbled as she slipped on a plain russet colored dress and shoes. Then, a brown flash soared in and landed on Jade's shoulder. "Taran!" She happily began to stroke the hawk, who was nibbling her fingers fondly. Then, a servant girl popped her head in. "Your Eminence, Lady Kokyu, the ceremony is about to begin. Her Majesty is waiting outside the Shrine." They both nodded and walked over to the Shrine of Suzaku, where the ceremony was about to be held. Lady Houki met them outside. "Okay, Miaka. Let's go in awhile." she said softly to Miaka. Jade hugged the Priestess fondly, who was supposed to be representing her sister. "Good luck, Jade-chan!" the younger girl called as she went inside. Mitsukake, who was escorting Jade for the first part, smiled down at her and offered her his arm. She took it, returning the smile, and the two walked in and up to the platform. Then, the healer went down with Hotohori, Tamahome, and Chichiri, who were watching. Lady Houki, Miaka, and the servant girls closed the curtains around Jade and began to undress her and take out her hair. Then, they redressed her in the proper clothes of a woman and put her hair into an intricate bun. Then, Lady Houki fastened a beautiful sapphire choker around the Celeste Warrior's neck as a token of her adulthood. The Emporess stepped outside of the curtains and announced. "When she entered here, she was but a girl, lost and usure of her life ahead. Now, she comes forth as a young woman, independant and ready for her life's path. And now, Jade Stevens has become a woman of Konan and of Suzaku." Jade came out nervously, and the others gasped at how stunning she looked in the green dress that she wore maturely, emphasizing her nice figure and fit body. Tasuki grinned at her and escorted her off of the platform, squeezing her arm proudly. The others congradulated her before she went back to her room with the bandit to get ready for bed.
As she changed into shorts and a halter top, Tasuki told her about a really cool place he had found in the wood earlier, and he wanted to show it to her. She nodded and he took her into the woods. "Here it is..." he said quietly, and Jade gasped. They were near the bank of the river, in a small clearing surrounded by cherry trees in full bloom. The moonlight reflected off of the water to give the clearing a soft glow. "Oh Tasuki...it's beautiful..." she breathed. He smiled at her awe and wrapped his arms around her. "Well, a stunning place deserves a stunning woman, so that's why I brought you here...Jade?" She looked up at him. "Hmmm?"
"May I ask you something important?" She smiled. "Of course, my love." He seemed a little hesitant but he finally asked "What do you want to do with your life once the war is over?" She seemed puzzled, but she replied honestly. "Well...I suppose get married, start a family...things like that. Why, what do you want?" He tuned her so that she was facing him. "I want that, yes...but most of all, I want you..." he said softly. Then, he kneeled in front of her and pulled out a beautiful emerald ring. She gasped and began to cry as he took her hand and asked quietly "Jade...I want to be with you for the rest of my life. Will you honor me and become my wife?" She nodded, tears streaming down her face. He slid the ring onto her finger and kissed her passionately, which she returned just as fully. They were unsure of what tomorrow might bring, but they knew they would always remember that night when they promised their futures to each other.
The next morning, Jade hummed happily to herself as she put on a simple white tunic. She began singing into her brush, something she didn't do often.
"Always see it on T.V.or read it in the magazines
Celebrities want sympathy
All they do is piss and moan inside the Rolling Stone
Talking about how hard life can be
I'd like to see them spend the week livin' life out on the street
I don't think they would survive
If they could spend a day or two walking in someone else's shoes
I think they'd stumble and they'd fall
They would fall (fall)
Lifestyles of the rich and the famous
They're always complaining, always complaining
If money is such a problem
Well they got mansions
Think we should rob them
Did you know when you were famous
You could kill your wife and there's no such thing as
25 to life as long as you've got the cash to pay for Cochran
And did you know if you were caught and you were smoking crack
McDonald's wouldn't even want to take you back
You could always just run for mayor of D.C.
I'd like to see them spend the week livin' life out on the street
I don't think they would survive
If they could spend a day or two walking in someone else's shoes
I think they'd stumble and they'd fall
They would fall (fall)
Lifestyles of the rich and the famous
They're always complaining, always complaining
If money is such a problem
Well they got mansions
Think we should rob them
Lifestyles of the rich and the famous
They're always complaining, always complaining
If money is such a problem
You got so many problems
Think I could solve them
Lifestyles of the rich and famous
We'll take your clothes, cash cards, and homes just stop complaining
Lifestyles of the rich and famous
Lifestyles of the rich and famous
Lifestyles of the rich and famous..."
(A.N. I don't own that song, it's Good Charlotte's) Tasuki came in silently, watching her sing and dance. Chuckling, he saw her notice him and stop dead. "Shit..." she whispered before the bandit surprised her by giving her a fanged grin and a wink. "Awesome! Yer the most talented person I know, aisai..." She flushed deeply at the name he had used, which ment "beloved wife". "Arrigato, Fangs..." she mumbled before noticing his new outfit. He wore his plain white shirt under a dark green tunic and gold bracers. His pants were dark blue and his boots matched his tunic. And, as always, his now-useless tessan was strapped on with the old gold belt he always wore. Turning chibi and running over to him, her eyes turned starry. "Wow... you should wear green more often! I'll have to fight the women off of you!" she cried happily, wrapping her arms around his neck. He blushed deeply, embarassed by the compliments. "Onna, we have to go fight a war. This is no time t' be commentin' on my wardrobe!" he sighed, but his shining eyes gave him away. She kissed him on the forehead before going back to putting on her armor. He helped her, making sure that it was fastened correctly and vital spots were covered. "There. Now Jade-sama, listen to me. I know we planned things out earlier with our attack strategy, but I want you t' ride next to me so that I can protect you. I don't want to seem over-protective, but I don' wanna lose you." he said very seriously. She finished putting her hair up and met his eyes with hers. "T-tasuki...I don't want anything to happen to you..." she whispered, her eyes full of tears. He took her into his arms and held her close. "Don' worry, koishii...we will be married the moment this war has ended, I promise. Now then, let's go get the others..." She nodded and they went out to the main gate, where the others were assembled.
The five warriors and their Priestess rode out, Tasuki and Jade riding in the front on a beautiful black stallion. "Look at those clounds, no da!" Chichiri yelled to them over the noise. "It's Soi!" Miaka cried as bolts of lightning hit random Konan soldiers.
Sure enough, Soi, Nakago, Yui, Suboshi, and Tara were up on the rocks. Nakago lifted up his hand and fired a chi blast at Tamahome, who pulled out Hotohori's sword and deflected it. Suboshi smirked. "Heh, their marks won't even appear! It's true, they are now common people!" Tama had been knocked off of his horse, and Miaka got down beside him. "Tamahome!" He told her to run, but she wouldn't, because they promised they would be together forever. Jade's eyes narrowed as Tara and Yui whispered together for a moment before dismounting. The Celeste Warriors' eyes met for a second, and Tara gave a smirk of satisfaction. "Kai-jin!" she cried, as well as Yui. Seiryu's character appeared on their foreheads. Nakago turned to look, and Tasuki used this one chance. Whipping a sword out of the saddle bag, he threw it at the blond general. The aim was perfect, but Soi lunged in front of it and took the sword in her back instead. "Damn, I missed..." he said quietly. Jade looked up at him, and saw hatered in his eyes. "Tasuki?!" He looked down at her, surprised at her horror. "Sorry, but I was trying to kill that damn Nakago!" he said ressuringly, and she nodded, still a little shaken. The purple haired woman died silently, Nakago stunned at her selfless act. "Soi..." Suboshi let out a surprised cry as Yui and Tara began to glow blue."Take Miaka and I back so that she can never return to this world again!" the Priestess cried. Tara had a similar wish. "Seiryu, return us to America where we belong! Grant this first wish, oh great Lord of the East!" Then, a blue light surrounded Jade and Miaka. Tasuki grabbed his fiance desperately, afraid of losing her. "TASUKI!!!" she screamed out as her body began to disappear, and he vainly clung to her. Suddenly, she was gone, and all that was left was the jade wolf madallion that he had clutched in his hand.
I feel bad, leaving it on a cliffhanger like that, but here's where it gets interesting. The final battle is about to begin, so check back soon!