Chapter Four- Marriage; Ages: 19-21
The gorilla swung a hammer towards Shifu, who simply jumped up to dodge it before landing a strong kick to the ape's nose. Chao and Junjie worked together to bring down a pair of weasels with knives. Oogway swung his staff in every direction, taking down the hawks and eagles that tried to attack him. Zhan Shi growled as he kicked away a wolf much larger than him. Ren used her katana as she dueled with a mountain cat. In a quick motion, she was able to disarm her opponent and send him sprawling on the ground. The warriors continued their battle until all their enemies were unconscious or, like some poor souls, dead.
Ren glared, her eyes scanning the area for anyone else to harm them. Upon finding none, she cleaned her bloody katana on the grass and sheathed it. She offered a silent prayer to the gods, to forgive her for the lives she had taken. Zhan Shi placed a paw on his daughter's shoulder, smiling reassuringly. Ren could only stare solemnly.
The group journeyed back to the city of Ziben. Thankful villagers came to greet them, but all they could do was force a smile and nod. They arrived at the Shaolin Temple in a few minutes. The temple was reserved for training, meditating, or praying. Many of the masters created alters for their families or loved ones past to be placed in the temple. The area around the temple was reserved for the members of the Sacred Onyx Council, and in some cases their families. Most of the buildings were for training in kung fu or weaponry. But there was also a small apartment building and an infirmary. The six exhausted warriors headed straight for it. The nurses and doctors there weren't at all shocked at their injuries; working around kung fu warriors 24/7 and you get used to it.
"You're lucky this cut wasn't any deeper." The lynx working on Ren said. "It shouldn't need stitches." The lynx glanced in Ren's eyes and smiled softly. "Something wrong?"
"I killed people today." Ren muttered.
"You killed murderers." The lynx corrected. She took Ren's hands in her paws. "Don't you worry about what you did. Believe me, it doesn't matter. I go through stuff like that. I know that it's not easy to take a life, even if doing so saves others. You are a great warrior, just like your father."
Ren looked up and smiled a little. The lynx gave her a hug.
Chao gritted his teeth against the pain as a sheep tightened bandages around his wounded arm.
"Oh stop complaining." The nurse scolded.
"It can't hurt that much."
Chao and the nurse turned and saw Master Bang in the doorway. The two of them bowed in respect.
"Chao, when you have a moment, I need to talk to you about something very important." Bang told his son.
"Yes sir." Chao nodded.
"Good." Bang nodded. "I'll meet you in front of the temple." He walked off, his tail swishing back and forth.
"Wonder what he wants." Chao murmured.
"Don't worry about it." The sheep assured. "Nothing you can't handle."
Chao was still uncertain, but walked tall and formal as he went to meet with his father. Master Bang was standing at the steps of the temple, meditating. Chao bowed to him, waiting for his father to notice his presence.
"Glad you could make it." Bang said. He stood up and motioned for his son to follow him. Chao walked a few steps behind his father, as he was instructed since he was very young. He stayed straight, tall, and tried to give off an air of power, copying his father's stance.
"What did you wish to speak to me about?" Chao asked politely.
"Chao, you are a man now." Bang said. "I, too, am getting older. Soon after I became a man, I was married to your mother. It is the dream of every father such as I to have their children marry well and receive grandchildren from that marriage." Bang stopped. Chao remained a few feet behind him as his father turned. "Chao, I've found the perfect wife for you."
Chao's eyes widened and his jaw almost dropped to the ground. "Um…excuse me?"
"I've had a talk with a nobleman from the next province." Bang explained. "His daughter is of marrying age. Both of us have agreed that the two of you would make a perfect match and should be married." Bang turned and kept walking. "Of course, we also want you two to get to know each other first."
Chao snapped out of his shock and jogged to keep up with his father. "What do you mean?"
"The girl's father and I have a plan." Bang said. "You and the girl will go into town together on a little date. Talk, enjoy yourselves, and get to know each other better. Then, at the end of the day, you will ask for her hand in marriage. And she will gladly accept."
"Sir, why have I heard of this just now?" Chao asked cautiously. "It sounds like you've been planning this for a while."
"As the son of a high-ranking member in society, you are expected to also marry a high-ranking member." Bang shrugged. "It's just how things work. And I know you won't let me down." Bang turned and stared at his son hard. Chao felt like he was shrinking under his father's harsh gaze. "You won't disappoint me, will you?"
Chao sighed and bowed. "No, sir."
"Good." Bang nodded in approval. "Now go get dressed in something nice. You and the girl will be leaving for town later this afternoon." Chao remained bowing until his father left. Then he sighed and spun on his heel to get dressed. He jumped upon seeing Shifu.
"What do you think you're doing?" Shifu demanded. "Is it even possible for you to think about marrying someone besides Ren?"
"Not now, Shifu." Chao pushed past him.
"You can't do this, Chao." Shifu said, following the lizard. "You've got to stand up to your father. You're a man now; you can make your own decisions."
"Yeah, right." Chao scoffed.
"Eventually, you'll have to stand up to your father." Shifu grabbed Chao's hand and pulled him back. "You know that Oogway, Zhan Shi, Junjie, and I will be right behind you, no matter what."
Chao cast Shifu a sad glance before walking off.
That evening, about an hour before sunset, Chao was dressed as nice as possible and went to meet with the nobleman's daughter. She was a young tiger, no older than nineteen but very small for her species. She wore elegant silk robes that were pastel blue with a white trim and sash. A blue silk parasol rested on her shoulder. The tigress bowed in respect.
"Master Chao, I am Yao Niang." The tigress said.
Yao Niang. Chao thought. Chinese for "beautiful maiden". It actually suits her. Chao bowed back. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"The honor is mine." Yao Niang said. Chao noticed she had an emotionless, if not resentful, tone to her voice. Perhaps she wasn't too happy about this arranged marriage either.
"Shall we go?" Chao offered. Yao Niang nodded and walked beside Chao as they traveled into the city. From the beginning, both knew it would be quite awkward. Chao tried to make it a little more enjoyable, but all his attempts were futile. He offered to dance with Yao Niang, but the tigress claimed that she didn't like to dance. Chao offered to go into the market, but Yao Niang wasn't interested. Eventually, they just ended up walking around, hardly talking. But when they passed by the blacksmith's shop, Yao Niang slowed and seemed mesmerized by the burly tiger at the anvil, hammering a sword to perfection. Chao noticed this and suggested that they sit down at a nearby restaurant to eat. For once, Yao Niang agreed. They ate and looked around at the busy town. They actually started talking and laughing.
"I didn't think a nobleman's daughter would have a sense of humor." Chao joked.
"Well, Father always says it's not ladylike to be like that." Yao Niang laughed. "But I always say to myself, 'To hell with those rules!'"
Chao laughed out loud. "I feel that same way."
Yao Niang smiled. "Glad to see we agree on something."
"At last." Chao chuckled.
"Good evening, Chao."
Chao and Yao Niang turned and saw Ren standing before them. The color drained from Chao's face.
"Ren?" Chao looked between the human and the tigress across from him. "Uh….."
"Master Ren?" Yao Niang asked. She stood and bowed in respect. "It's an honor to meet Master Zhan Shi's esteemed daughter."
"Pleasure to meet Chao's fiancée." Ren bowed politely. She turned to Chao. "Junjie and my dad told me about the arrangement. I wish the two of you happiness."
Chao could clearly see the hurt in Ren's eyes. Their usual sparkle had disappeared like a snuffed out candle. Chao opened his mouth to speak, to try and explain it, to say anything….but nothing came out. Ren bowed one last time before turning on her heels and walking off, disappearing in the crowd. Yao Niang turned to Chao as she sat down and noticed his face.
"You love her, don't you?" she guessed.
Chao sighed. "It doesn't matter."
"Yes it does." Yao Niang assured. "I know our fathers are trying to engage us, but we both know how we truly feel."'
"You have your eyes on another." Chao guessed.
"My father doesn't approve of him." Yao Niang sighed. "He's threatened to disown me if I marry him."
Chao understood. His father probably wouldn't only disown him, but also beat him.
"Yao Niang." Chao said. "I-"
"Master Chao!"
Chao stood in surprise as the tiger blacksmith came forth. His face showed a mix of emotions.
"Can I help you?" Chao asked.
"My name is Jin." The tiger said. "I understand you wish to marry this woman." He gestured to Yao Niang, who looked completely smitten by the tiger.
Chao noticed this. A plan formed in his head. "Yes, I do. I was just about to ask her."
Jin went to his knees and bowed low. "Then I must humbly ask that you don't! I wish to marry Yao Niang myself! I love her!"
"Jin….." Yao Niang breathed.
Chao looked back and forth between the two tigers. He knew at once that these two truly loved each other. But first, he wanted to have a little fun.
"You truly love Yao Niang?" Chao asked, putting a regal tone to his voice.
"I would die for her." Jin declared. "I will do whatever it takes to win her love. If I have to, I will fight you for the right to marry her!"
Bold words. Chao thought. Impressive. "You should know that Yao Niang's father has threatened to disown her if she marries someone other than me. What will you do then?"
"I will do whatever it takes to make her happy." Jin assured. "If she won't have me, fine. But I've known her for a long time; I will not marry another woman besides her!"
Chao looked back at Yao Niang and winked. The tigress' eyes widened.
"Well, Jin, I've only known you for a few minutes." Chao said. "And I must say I've never met somebody so grungy, dirty, or covered in soot." Jin remained bowing. "I wish you and Yao Niang happiness."
Jin's head shot up. Yao Niang stared with wide eyes. "But, Jin, if my father disowns me, then I won't have a dowry. That's not fair to you."
Jin pulled Yao Niang in a strong embrace. "I only need you. Nothing more."
Chao smiled. Then he remembered. "If you'll excuse me, I have a very important question to ask someone."
Yao Niang smiled. She hugged Chao, kissing his cheek. "Thank you."
Chao smiled and bowed. Then he spun around and went in a full-out sprint towards the Shaolin Temple. He found Zhan Shi and Oogway meditating in the temple. He went to his knees and bowed to Zhan Shi.
"Master Zhan Shi, Hierarch of the Sacred Onyx Council." Chao said. "I humbly ask permission to marry your daughter, Ren."
Zhan Shi glanced down at Chao. He looked slightly amused. "And why should I do that?"
"I love her." Chao said. "I've loved her since the day we met. I promise I'll treat her with respect. I'll give my life in order to protect her."
"And what about your father?" Zhan Shi asked. "What does he have to say?"
"I don't care." Chao said. "I love Ren. He can't change that."
Zhan Shi smiled. "Very well. But I can only assure you the marriage if Ren agrees and if you can really stand up to your father."
"Yes Master Zhan Shi." Chao nodded.
"Well what are you waiting for?" Oogway asked. "Ren is training in the south hall. Go ask her now."
Chao bowed and thanked the masters before running off.
"You think he can stand up to his father?" Zhan Shi asked. "I've know Bang for a long time. It won't be easy."
"I trust Chao." Oogway said. "Everything will be fine."
Chao ran as fast as he could to the south hall. He could hear Ren's frustrated yells from inside. He skidded to a halt at the door. Ren was currently beating the stuffing out of a punching bag, literally. Her hair hung loose around her face and her forehead was dripping with sweat. Her eyes were red, like she had been crying.
Chao ran up to her and wrapped his arms around her. Ren yelped.
"Chao!" she cried. "Put me down! I'm all sweaty and gross!"
"I couldn't care less!" Chao shouted happily.
"What's gotten into you?" Ren demanded.
Chao set Ren down and stared her in the eyes. "Ren, please do me the ultimate honor in marrying me."
Ren stared at him. "But, I thought that tigress-"
"She's in love with someone else." Chao explained. "Just like me." He took Ren's hand in his. "Please, Ren, marry me. I love you more than anything."
Ren stared at him for a long time before hugging him tightly. "Yes." She breathed. "Yes, a thousand times, yes."
STAR STAR STAR STAR STAR
The next morning, all the students and masters gathered in the council room, called together by Hierarch Zhan Shi.
"I have some very good news." Zhan Shi announced. "That I believe everyone should know about." He beckoned for his daughter to stand with him. "My daughter, Ren, is getting married." Everyone cheered and clapped for the young human.
"Who's the poor sap?" one student joked. Some of the students around him slapped his head.
Ren only laughed. "He's actually very nice, thank you very much." She gestured to someone near her. Chao stood up and came to her side, taking her hand.
"That's not possible!" Bang suddenly snapped. "Chao's already engaged to Yao Niang from the next province."
"I'm afraid not." Chao said. "Yao Niang is marrying someone else."
"You didn't ask her?" Bang asked.
"I didn't love her." Chao said. "I never wanted to marry her."
"That wasn't the agreement." Bang growled. He started stomping towards his son. Everyone held their breaths, knowing what would come next. Nobody even thought to interfere.
Chao remained calm. He pushed Ren behind him and stared at his father. It took a lot of courage to be able to do so and not tremble slightly.
"You knew my expectations and yet you disregarded them." Bang said. "Do you want to be disowned? Kicked out of the house? Banished from the Sacred Onyx Council?"
"If I can remain with Ren, I will accept whatever you throw at me." Chao said bravely.
Bang suddenly swiped his claws across Chao's face. Chao winced, his cheek stinging.
"Let's try this again." Bang said in a low voice. "Will you abandon this insane plan to marry this human?" He said the word "human" like it was a disease. Zhan Shi showed no emotion. He watched Chao closely.
Chao gathered every bit of courage he had. "No. I intend to marry Ren and Ren alone. You can't stop me."
Bang growled and threw his fist towards his son's face. Instinctively, Chao caught his father's fist. He twisted it at an odd angle. Bang went to his knees in pain.
"I don't care what you do." Chao said in a low voice. "I don't need you. If I'm disowned or thrown from the house, I will have a home and a wife to go to. I've had enough of what you've done to me my entire life. You don't control me." He released his hold on his father's wrist. Bang stood and brushed himself off. Then he turned and walked from the room, holding his head high to recover his pride.
Zhan Shi smiled. "Well done, Chao. You have my blessing. May you and Ren find happiness."
Ren and Chao bowed to him, smiling broadly.
STAR STAR STAR STAR STAR
"Would you get out here?" Shifu called.
"Not yet!" Chao called from inside the room. "I'm still getting ready!"
"It'll be winter by the time you're done!" Shifu protested.
"Just give me a minute!" Chao said again. "I think I'm going to be sick!"
"Oh come on, Chao!" Shifu groaned. "Everything's going to be fine!"
"I don't know." Chao was extremely nervous.
"You're not backing out from your soon-to-be wife!" Shifu snapped.
Junjie came around the corner. He was dressed in a fine, silk gold shirt and black pants. Shifu smoothed out his black robes with a silver trim.
"Is he still in there?" Junjie droned. Shifu nodded, and Junjie banged on the rice paper door. "Chao, if you don't get out here, I'm coming in there and dragging you to the altar!"
"You wouldn't dare." Chao said.
"Try me, groom boy." Junjie retorted.
Chao sighed and walked out of his room. Chao was dressed in red silk robes with gold thread dragons sewn all over it. A red silk sash was around his waist and red shoes were on his feet. He kept scratching his feet, obviously not used to wearing shoes.
"Chao, relax." Shifu assured. "You'll be fine."
"I'm getting married, for gods' sake!" Chao cried.
"Not yet."
The three men looked up and saw Oogway coming down the hallway. The old tortoise came up to Chao, a groom's cap in his claws. Chao bowed to Master Oogway, and the tortoise placed the groom's cap on Chao's head. "Perfect." Oogway said. "Now, you can get married."
Chao smiled, looking a little hopeful. "By any chance, is-"
"No, Chao, he's not here." Oogway shook his head sadly.
Chao looked sad, but shook it off. "It doesn't matter."
"That's the spirit." Shifu said. "Are you ready now?"
Chao smiled. "Yes."
"Then let's go." Oogway pointed down the hall. Chao took a breath and walked off, his master and brothers-in-arms right behind him. He walked outside to find a carriage ready to take him off. The four masters climbed in and the carriage rocked as it moved. Soon, they arrived at the wedding. Shifu and Junjie took their seats with Yao Niang and Jin in the front row. Oogway stood with Zhan Shi next to the tablets of Heaven and Earth. Chao climbed down and waited at the beginning of the red carpet that stretched all the way down to the tablets. Kung fu masters and students from the Sacred Onyx Council, villagers, and relatives sat on the benches, waiting for the bride to arrive. Then, the sedan chair came into view, and Chao helped the young woman step down from it. The red veil in front of her face couldn't hide her beauty in the slightest. Chao held Ren's hand as the two walked down the aisle to the altar. Once they reached the altar, they kneeled and bowed, kung-fu style, to the tablets of Heaven and Earth. Then they turned and did the same to Zhan Shi and Oogway. The two elder masters bowed in return, their smiles so large they were hard to hide. Ren and Chao turned to each other and bowed. Everyone stood and clapped for the newlyweds as the two masters walked back down the aisle and to the sedan chairs. They climbed in and the chair was carried back to the palace.
The guests began to disperse, deciding to give the new husband and wife some space, though a little untraditional. Shifu, Junjie, Oogway, and Zhan Shi watched it go. Soon enough, they would meet up with them. Junjie sniffled.
"What is it, Junjie?" Oogway asked.
"It's just so pretty." Junjie said with awe. "They're so cute together!"
"You're not gonna start crying, are you?" Shifu droned.
Back at the palace, the chair arrived at the gate to the palace. Chao lifted Ren in his arms and carried her through the gate and to their room.
"Can I take this stupid veil off now?" Ren whined slightly. "I'm only following tradition for as long as necessary."
"Alright, alright, just a second." Chao laughed. He set Ren on the bed and gently took the veil from her face. Ren blinked and shook her head, getting used to the light. She smiled at her husband and gently touched his face.
"You look kind of ridiculous with those shoes." Ren said.
Chao shook his head and laughed. He pulled the shoes off and threw them across the room. "That feels better."
Ren rolled her eyes and lay back in the bed, still in her wedding dress. "I'm never getting married again; the stress almost killed me before I even got to you."
"It's good that you don't want to get married again." Chao sighed as he lay down beside her. "Cause I was expecting us to stay together for a while."
"Just a while?" Ren asked.
Chao laughed. "A long while, rest assured."
Ren smiled and turned to face Chao. She kissed his cheek and hugged him. "I love you."
Chao returned the embrace. "I love you, too." They fell asleep in each others' arms. And at that moment, everything was perfect in the world.
Neither knew that the perfection wouldn't last as long as they would've liked.