Disclaimer: Y'all know I don't own Fushigi Yuugi, right? Well, if you didn't, then that's your problem. I only own Jade Stevens, Tara Robinson, Jordan Stevens, Adam Stevens, Zach Stevens, Keiko Stevens, and the altered storyline. Btw, one of my readers sent me an awesome drawing of Jade over Christmas break! Thank you sooo much! If anyone would like to see it, email me, and I'll send it to ya. Now on with the show!
Anticipation
Jade woke up the next morning with an odd feeling in the pit of her stomach. 'What's wrong with me?' she thought to herself before she realized what was happening today. "Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod! Today's the wedding, and I almost forgot!" She leaped out of bed, and had just enough time to throw on Tasuki's big long-sleeved shirt before there was a knock on the door. She opened it cautiously to see a small group of people standing there. In the front of the group was a short, busty woman who looked to be in her 40s. Behind her were four giggling women and four dense-looking men. Now Jade was used to surprises, but this one was odd even for her. "Uh, may I help you?" she asked. The old woman snorted. "Are you the fiancee of a Kou Shun'u?" Jade nodded. "Yes I am, why?"
"I'm his mother, and YOUR future mother-in-law." Jade just about fell over at this. How could something like Tasuki come out of something this vile! But she wisely kept her surprise in check and forced a smile. "I see. Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Kou-san, but I have to continue getting ready for the ceremony..."
"Nonsense, there's plenty of time! Now, come on, girls, don't just stand there! Make yourselves welcome to your new sister-in-law..." The way she said the final words seemed icy. The four girls, leaving their husbands in the hallway, rushed into the room, whispering together. Jade caught a few words from their conversation: Homely, rough, undeveloped, and moody to name a few. She growled silently in her head, but she knew she didn't need their approval. Then they looked at her shirt, which caused a whole new strand of gossip. Finally, once they had given her a final examination, they left, following their mother. Jade blew a sigh of relief. There was another knock on the door, and the firey haired girl opened it warily, expecting the little gossip group to come back, but instead it was Tara. The dark haired girl laughed at the look of terror on her best friend's face. "Geez Steve, I know I'm not the prettiest thing in the morning, but I didn't think I was THAT scary!" she said, chuckling. Jade glared at her before explaining the odd event just moments before. "I thought you were them coming back...I'm just glad they left. I don't think they approved of me..." Tara snorted. "Since when have you even cared what people think of you? Don't worry about it, Tasuki warned you that they were mean. Now then, let's get you ready to shine!" The dark haired girl ushered her friend outside, where she shoved her into the pond to get a bath. Then, using the trusty tessan she had convinently stolen from our favorite flame haired seishi, she dried Jade's hair and put it back in a high bun, leaving a strand of hair down on each side of her face. "Okay Jade, let me get my dress, then we can get completly ready." Tara said as she ran out the door. Jade sat at her vanity table, toying with one of her necklaces. She was going to be wearing a gold choker set with rubies on her neck, and the always-present wolf madallion would not leave its spot around her neck. She sighed as she stood up and took her dress out of the closet and waited for Tara to return.
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Meanwhile, Tasuki was also getting ready in Kouji's room. His bandit friend was already dressed for the ceremony in a green and gold robe over white pants. It was fastened with a gold sash and had another sash over his left shoulder. His boots were also green and gold. His regular gold headband was replaced with a green one, matching his eyes nicely. "C'mon Gen-chan, it's nothin' ta be nervous about! Ya love her, an' she loves you, so it should be easy! Why are ya so nervous?" he asked, poking his best friend. Tasuki stood up and walked over to where his outfit was set up. It was a red and gold outer robe which was worn over a red inner robe and white pants. The boots were gold and red as well. He sighed and dressed slowly. The end result was sexy, to say the least, but the bandit was still miffed that he had to dress so finely. If he would have had his way, they would have gotten married at Mt. Reikaku in a little private ceremony with a select few. But, since he was a seishi and she was the Celeste Warrior, they couldn't have a normal wedding. Instead of his usual earrings, he put in small gold hoops. Then, he went out to meet Chichiri about the ceremony.
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Tara came back in and did her own hair before putting on her dress. Her hair was down and had two small braids in the front which were pulled back and formed one braid in the back. Her dress had a blue halter top with silver ties and edging. The skirt was white and also trimmed with silver. Around her waist she tied a long silver sash, and silver ribbons wrapped around her arm. She also had on a necklace with three pearls forming the base of a sapphire teardrop. "Geez Rob, don't outshine the bride on her special day..." Jade chuckled. Tara scowled before dragging her over to the wedding dress and helping her put it on, piece by piece. When it was all said and done, the redheaded girl looked stunning. The under dress was red and had a gold belt set with a large ruby in the center. Over it was a collar thing that was red and gold with intricate designs and a red fringe on the bottom. She had on the gold choker and the wolf madallion was tucked away deep under the layers of clothing. The most beautiful and extravagent part was the crown. Made of gold, it had a pheonix gracefully spreading its wings on the front, the wings spreading around the sides of the crown. Three red pheonix feathers came out of the top. Rubies were inlaid all around the bottom of the crown, and a perfectly circular one was set in the pheonix's claws. A very long red veil came out of the crown and cascaded down her back. In her ears were ruby drop earrings. "Wow Jade, you look so beautiful..." Tara breathed as she touched up the other girl's makeup. Jade flushed slightly. "Tara, you sound like someone who's never seen a bride before..." she muttered to hide her pride from the compliment. Tara picked up the bouquet of blue irises that she got to carry and led her friend to a room right next to the throne room, where the wedding was going to take place. Inside, Miaka and Yui were fully dressed and waiting for them. The Suzaku no Miko rushed over to Jade and glomped her. "Jade, you look awesome! I'm so happy for you and Tasuki!" she squealed. Jade was turning an odd shade of purple. "Can't...breathe..." Miaka dropped her, grinning. She was wearing a red dress with gold trim. Starting at her elbows, her sleeves were a gauzy material attatched with a gold band. Around her waist was a pink frilly thing that had a red sash hanging out of the bottom of it. A pink ribbon was tied around the frilly thing. Her hair was in a low bun. Yui was dressed eaxctly like Tara, including the hair. Jade started pacing nervously. "I can't believe I'm actually getting married...what if I fall or something! I'm so afraid of looking like an idiot..." Yui, ever the practical one, handed the nervous bride her bouquet of roses and red lilies. "You'll do just fine. After facing Tenkou and Nakago, this is cake." She gave Jade a encouraging smile, which she returned nervously. Miaka, Yui, and Tara gave her one last pep talk before meeting the other seishi in the throne room doorway. Jade looked up as Nuriko walked in. He was grinning broadly, and he gave her a big hug and a kiss on the forehead before offering her his arm. She took it, trembling slightly. They stood a little off from the throne room door, so as to not be seen. When Nuriko saw that the Priestesses and other seishi were in place, he slowly started into the room. Jade followed obediently, too shellshocked to object.
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Meanwhile, in front of all the guests at the altar, Tasuki was in a similar state. Being surrounded by all of his close friends didn't help the poor bandit at all. The seishi were dressed finely, to match the Priestesses. Mitsukake, Chiriko, Chichiri, and Taka were all dressed in black robes trimmed with gold with white pants. Red sashes held the robes in place, and another red sash went over their left shoulder and were fastened at the hip. On the front of the robes was a red pheonix, the finest details embroidered carefully. They wore black and gold boots to match the robes. Hotohori and Houki were present, dressed in their finest imperial robes. Kouji, who was standing next to Tasuki and acting as best man, had on the green outfit he had on before the ceremony. It was very similar to the Suzaku seishis' outfits, except on the front of his robes was a golden serpent. Amiboshi represented the Seriyu seishi in blue and silver robes with a silver dragon coiled on the front. Tasuki finally got the courage to lift his head when he heard the guests gasp, and he lost his breath at what he saw. Jade was slowly walking up the aisle with Nuriko, looking just as nervous. She looked absolutely amazing. Tasuki's jaw dropped and he froze. As Nuriko led her up to the flabbergasted groom, he kissed her on the cheek. He handed her arm gently to Tasuki, who took it, trembling. The purple haired seishi then joined the other Suzaku Warriors. Chichiri, who had beed asked to perform the ceremony, stepped towards the couple. Jade caught Tasuki's eye shyly, giving him a small smile. He couldn't help but grin back. Chichiri had them repeat a simple prayer before he gently took a long red ribbon and tied it around their wrists; Jade's right, Tasuki's left.
This was to symbolize the union into one person. He handed them the rings, which they quietly exchanged. Jade's was a beautiful yellow gold, while she had chosen a white gold band for Tasuki. Chichiri had them repeat a few more chants and prayers that were part of the Konan marrige tradition. He blessed them and stepped aside for Hotohori to do his bit. Hotohori took a red pigment and dipping his finger in, put a red dot on Tasuki and Jade's foreheads. This symbolized that the Emporer had given his approval for the marrige, and represented that they were important members of the royal court. Houki gave them both her shy smile as her husband finished his task. Then, stepping back, Hotohori smiled and said regally, "I reconize you both as warriors of Suzaku and defenders of Konan. Take the blessing of Saihitei, Emporer of Konan and live in happiness. You are now as one." Tasuki took the cue and kissed his blushing bride amidst the cheers of the guests. Rose petals were thrown as the newlyweds made their way back down the aisle, grinning like crazy.
Sorry this is so late, but our computer totally crashed and I had no internet for months. I'm really sorry! Please read my story, the updates will be more frequent, hopefully. Also, I have a new story out: The Fire Inside of Us. Please read and review! Ja ne for now!