With the help of the Solune Tribe, most tribes including the Mountain tribe had survived the winter without any problems with food. Three days later, the Mountain Tribe's leader, Linma, had finally woken up. High Elder Zhubao was so happy to see his old friend survive his calamity. It didn't take awhile for Zhubao to successfully convince this old friend of his to relocate his tribe and allied it to their Solune Tribe. The Mountain Tribe had moved their territory at the Northeast forest where the sea is the nearest.
The trade exchange between the Solune and Mountain Tribes continues. As months pass by, the lives within the primitive world resume to normal. Winter season is now coming to an end. Three months had already passed and everyone could now see a bulge on Xuebao's stomach. Everyone, especially Meizhou and the elders of the tribe, were especially joyful seeing this. They couldn't wait for their most precious son, grandson and heir to come out.
After the death of the savage beast kings in all four corners of the forest, the tribe priests of each tribe had received the message from their Beast God saying that they had successfully passed his trials and would be giving his creation some blessings. The male beastmen warriors were able to receive unique skills like what Shizi and Meizhou possess while the female beastmen received knowledge of incantation. An incantation that will allow them to control elemental attributes like Xuebao.
But surprisingly the elements the female beastmen could only control are the main ones like, fire, water, wind and earth. Only those who study to become a tribe doctor could possess the incantation of light which allows them to heal their patients. Among all female beastmen only Tuzi received dual element incantation of light and dark. No one could understand why Tuzi received these weird dual elements which are even outside the 4 main elements. But after hearing that even the Solune Tribe leader, Xuebao, had awakened another two elements except for his first ice element, only then did the others learn that the blessing would differ according to the duties they had accomplished during the trial.
Among the female beastmen aside from Xuebao who worked in lead, Tuzi is the second female beastmen who contributes the most during the trial. It is understandable that his blessing would be unique only for him.
—
Third week of Spring.
The snow had fully melted by this time. Greenies and trees start blooming and growing as well. The forest had returned to its normal viridescent color. Now even the rivers, lakes and seas have melted which is now flowing unhindered by anything. It is also full of fishes and sea creatures after the ice has melted.
But today in the Solune Tribe a joyous event would take place.
The Solune Tribe Camp is now covered in flowers picked by the female beastmen of the tribe. There are fur carpets placed at the venue. It was designed as a long aisle where at the end of it, is a huge altar surrounded by unbloomed flowers. The fur carpet is made of reddish brown fur and the flowers were fire red hydrangeas in an attempt to make the color of red vibrant for that event. The designer for this ceremony is none other than Tuzi. He based this idea on his memories regarding Chinese ancient marriage settings where everything is red from wedding robes, lanterns to the carpet in the venue.
Moreover he is currently in a primitive world where most things weren't invented yet, Tuzi could only improvise with the materials available for him. Of course the wedding clothes were also prepared by him, no one knows how many red flamingo and red feather birds even red foxes got stripped naked by this female beastmen just so he could make a pair of wedding clothes for this event. The whole tribe even had to ask their allied tribes for help for this material gathering.
But everyone gladly helped when they heard that the material the Solune Tribe had requested is for the Mateship Ceremony of the chosen couple, who protected and helped them during the whole trial. For this event the Mountain Tribe had contributed a huge haul of seafood as present. With Tribe Leader Linma as special guest from the Mountain Tribe, the rest of his tribesmen were specially treated as an extended family of the Solune Tribe. It took two tribes' hard work for this event's preparations to be completed.
The food for today's banquet is thrice larger than a regular evening banquet and the dishes that will be served for after the ceremony is a grand feast prepared by the collaboration of all female beastmen of the Solune and Mountain Tribe. They all had to wake up at dawn to start making the preparation for the magnificent feast just for this event.
Today is the day for the Mateship Ceremony of the Solune Tribe Leader, Xuebao and his chosen other half, the renowned strongest warrior of their world, Meizhou. The ceremony for the Mateship in this world is simple. The couple will only have to bow towards heaven and earth which is after a vow towards the Beast God will be made. This is a vow of an eternal bond between a pair which will be called mates in the future.
Everyone had gathered for today. This is a special event for Xuebao and Meizhou.
Now the ceremony is about to begin.
The tribesmen stood at the sides of the carpet while the warriors stood firmly like a mountain at both sides while saluting at the newly arrived main couple for this event. The rest of the tribesmen also lowered their head slightly upon the arrival of the couple. At the end of the aisle is a small space surrounded with red hydrangeas. The tribe priests of both Solune and the Mountain Tribe had stood near the end of the aisle kneeling as they prayed for their Beast God.
Xuebao and Meizhou stood at the other end of the aisle. They were wearing reddish brown furred clothes with some crimson feathers weave on it like decorations. It didn't look lavish but made with minimal ornamentation. Tuzi worked hard to design their ceremonial clothes making it simple but gorgeous at the same time. From the distance Tuzi was watching the event unfold with his two fiancés standing on each side. There are obvious tear traces at the corner of his eyes, as well as black eyebags under as well. Clearly this female beastmen haven't taken a good sleep for the preparation of this event.
There's a piece of cloth on his hands which Tuzi used to wipe his tears and snot. He is extremely overjoyed seeing his closest friend as well as his brother figure finally getting married.
Tuzi with swollen eyes, "Wuwu~ Finally!! Sniff~… They are getting married. I'm so happy for Baobao~~ Wu~"
"I thought that the child would be born first before they got married." said Warrior Lang while patting Tuzi's back gently trying to calm him down.
Apprentice Priest Xiong took an extra clean cloth and helped Tuzi wipe his almost never-ending tears endearingly. "The elders wouldn't allow the child to be born before marriage. It's no wonder that the preparations for this Mateship Ceremony were already planned during the last winter. Tutu, have you calmed down? If now you will have to meet the couple with swollen eyes later. I'll have someone prepare some ice to cool your eyes off." he said.
"Thank you A'Lang, A'Xiong. Don't worry I will make sure our ceremony will be not less than this one!" declared Tuzi while his male partners just gave him a doting smile.
At the entrance of the aisle, Meizhou helped Xuebao remove his shoes before letting him wear soft slippers on the carpet. After changing his as well he held Xuebao's hand and intertwined their fingers. Removing any gaps in between. Then they looked at each other and smiled as if they are the only ones in the world.
Meizhou whispered, "Baby, this will be the fifth time we will be getting married."
"Yes and I will never get bored of marrying for countless more types of ceremony. But this time… it seems we're not only two but a bun… coming on its way will be with us~" said Xuebao as he smiled at Meizhou.
Meizhou also smiled at his wife and lowered his eyes on his wife's slightly bulging stomach. Obviously the life inside is already growing, they only have to wait a few more months for it to come out of this world. Meizhou gently rubs his wife's stomach.
"Little one~ don't make it hard for you dad okay? He's been eating too little lately, you should help him eat more. Father will wait for you outside with your dad!" said Meizhou while rubbing Xuebao's tummy.
Xuebao gave him a helpless smile, "You should wait for a few more months then you would be able to feel him kicking you by then. Now he is not yet fully developed but I guess he could still hear your voice."
"Then I will wait. For now… shall we complete the ceremony first?" said Meizhou.
"Yes. Let's finish it fast. I'm getting hungry. Woa!" replied Xuebao.
Meizhou carefully carried Xuebao in his arms while avoiding to put pressure on his wife's stomach.
He spoke, "It will be faster this way and you won't have to get tired from walking." said Meizhou.
Meizhou walked towards the other end of the aisle while carrying Xuebao in his arms. His strides were graceful and strong. Instead of walking on earth, the pair looked like immortals walking in air. The presence in their surrounding and atmosphere had changed as well. Now everyone couldn't help but look at the couple. For some unknown reason they couldn't move away their gaze at them, everyone watched as the couple passed by in front of them, the feeling of being refreshed was felt by almost everyone in the area. Even the heat coming from the sun above them was overwhelmed by the cold breeze that came after the couple had passed. That slight coldness in the air completely relaxed them and made their mood good.
Xuebao controlled his Ice attribute to lessen the heat in his surroundings, those who got close to him could feel a cold breeze which would elevate the hottest of the temperature in their surroundings. At the end of the aisle, Meizhou gently put down his wife and supported him all the way until the ceremony began.
A smiling tribe priest, Anbao, welcomed them at the altar.
"You two finally made it here together. Then I guess you guys would still be able to stay together until your whole lifetime. I give you my blessing." said Priest Anbao.
One by one the other tribe priests had also given them their blessing for their union.
Priest Anbao announced, "The ceremony is now almost at its end. The couple… Please make your vows to the Beast God and receive his blessing."
"Yes." Xuebao and Meizhou answered.
Then they've both spoken their vows while looking at the heaven with their hands held by each other.
"Our body and soul together as one. Our flesh and blood shared as one. To protect and love each other in this eternity. We ask the heavens and earth to witness this bond that will be everlasting until the end of time. Against the time and space. Even against the world and everything that may block us. We shall share everything between the two of us. Only two as one."
The rites were something a couple would talk about. This is a vow that they made together. There are no ready made vows. Only the oath created by two people could be considered as rites in the Mateship Ceremony. This is the rules of this world. A promise of eternity between mates could only be done in this way.
Normally the ceremony would end right away after the vow had been made. But no one would expect that a pillar of light would suddenly fall from the heavens. Falling directly at Xuebao and Meizhou. Everyone was shocked by this event. This is the first time something like this happened in this world.
Zhubao was stunned and stood suddenly in shock, "This is…"
"What is this?! Will the Beast God really bestow them his blessing personally!?" exclaimed Tribe leader Linma of the Mountain Tribe.
The tribe priests were especially excited by this event. Then they heard a monotonous voice that they could only hear in their dreams. They've all kowtowed towards the heavens upon seeing this scene. Only Meizhou and Xuebao reacted differently. They've really felt the presence of the heavenly laws of this world directly looking at them.
Meizhou protectively pulled over his wife in his arms while glaring at the sky. "Baby. Don't worry I will protect you and our child." he whispered.
Xuebao on the other hand had his eyes narrowed as he stared at the sky as if seeing something directly. There's an obvious warning within those azure orbs of his.
Heavenly Laws: 'We art not h're as enemies. But we wisheth to bestow thee our blessing. So yond thy mateship wouldst beest consid'r'd as whole in this w'rld and if 't be true something happeneth in eith'r of thee yond a wisp of thy soul wouldst beest did protect by the our shall'
[Translation: We are not here as enemies. But we wish to bestow you our blessing. So that your Mateship would be considered as whole in this world and if something happens in either of you that a wisp of your soul would be protected by our will.]
Xuebao who understood the meaning of their words replied, "I shall p'rmit thee to doth so."
[Translation: I will permit you to do so.]
Only then that the warning gaze within those eyes with the same hue of the sky had faded. Meizhou could also understand the weird language between them and wouldn't disagree with such biased blessing from the world itself. With their blessings as long this world remains, so their Mateship would be bonded not only on their body but as well on their soul. Their bond could also be used for the other worlds as a special trait shared between mates.
As soon as the words of Xuebao were said, the light pillar had gotten brighter and the couple was engulfs inside. The rest could only see a glowing pillar. Once the light pillar had disappeared Xuebao and Meizhou reappeared standing at each other's side. There aren't many changes except for the small black snowflakes under their left eyes. It looks more like a tattoo instead of an imprint. This small tattoo is the proof of their Mateship, something that is imprinted directly on their souls.
The Mateship Ceremony despite some weird events had ended successfully. The tribe priests who had seen the snowflake tattoo under their left eyes considered that imprint as a proof of Mateship approved by the Beast God. Because of this the after banquet had become even more animated as the elders were delighted that someone from their tribe received such kind of blessing for their own God.
Because of this surprising event, most couples who wish to spend a lifetime together had undergone proper ceremonies and as they've expected those who vowed as mates received some kind of tattoo of the couple's body as well. The design differs for each couple. But among those polygamous couples only Tuzi and his two men received the same blessing for some unknown reason. This is something that will happen in the future.
Only Meizhou and the rest knew that this stupid rabbit despite of being silly is still this world's most beloved son. It is normal for the heavenly laws of this world to be impartial towards him.
Time passes. Season changes accordingly. At the ninth month of the anticipated day, Xuebao is finally giving birth. This event had left the Solune Tribe in chaos. In Meizhou's house countless screams. Outside the house male warriors of the females inside were gathered. Meizhou was especially listless walking around in circles in his own yard. Shizi, Lang and Xiong as well as a few elders like Zhubao and Anbao were waiting at the yard as well. Inside the house, Xuebao is giving birth while Sheya and Tuzi help. Except for the two the others were forbidden to enter inside the house by the murderous Meizhou.
AAAAAHHH!! Argh! Haaah!!! AAhhh!!
In reality Xuebao couldn't help screaming as he gave birth. In this primitive world which couldn't provide him to ease his pain could only suffer as he gave birth.
While in his mind he couldn't stop cursing which made even System Yue who could hear his thoughts dizzy with all those bad wording.
"Fuck… ha! Dammit it fucking hurts!!! AH~ Shit! No wonder my dad didn't want natural birth! It hurts like hell!!! ARRRGGGHHH!!!"
[H-H-Host… Please calm down! I will give you free pain relief and high quality advanced medicine. I will not give you anesthesia because I don't know where to use it! Ahh! My ears!!!]
Sheya, who is covered in cold sweat, was trying his hardest to pull out the child while Tuzi was standing by the side holding towels while his face was pale in comparison to his original color. He had not even seen a woman give birth before as he is a virgin in his former world. Now he got to witness first hand a man giving birth.
Tuzi's Thoughts: 'Woa~ It would really come out from there!!?'
[Shut up, Tutu! Two big things could fit in you. Of course a baby would be able to come out there as well!!!]
"Yaa!! Yueyue's brain hole is expanding once again!!!"
[Your brain hole is bigger than your Asshole!]
"Are you saying that I am loose!?"
"Stupid fuckers! I could hear your conversation in my head! You lunatic!!! AAAHhH! So painful!!! Fucking hurts a lot~~~" Complains Xuebao in his head.
Tuzi on the other hand was now shocked silly as he stood like a statue holding a towel standing near Sheya. He could see a small head now coming out from there. If not because Tuzi finished his task of bringing warm water and the other necessity that Sheya would have kicked him in anger for standing stupidly near him.
"Xuebao! Just a bit more. Just one more! Push it out one more time!" yelled Sheya.
AAHHHH!!~
A ear piercing scream resounds one more time which is after while followed by the sound of the child crying.
WAAAHHHH~ WAAH~
Once the sound of the baby was heard most of them had shown a delighted smile. Even the frozen Tuzi had returned back to reality.
"It's out!!??" exclaimed Tuzi.
Sheya yelled at him. "Give me the towel! I've finished washing him."
Tuzi panickedly ran over and helped Sheya wrap the fat white dumpling with a clean towel. He then looked at the adorable fat baby on Sheya's arms. He even lightly poke the baby's meaty cheeks.
"S-SO CUTE~~" said Tuzi.
Sheya carried the baby and gave it to its dad. The child got his father's raven hair but took over Xuebao's silver blue eyes. The features of the baby are a mix of Xuebao and Meizhou's original appearance. After all this baby is made in accordance with the union of their souls instead of their current vessel. This is the reason why the baby's eyes had hints of silver. Clearly the boy fully inherited the bloodline of his both parents.
"Xuebao, your child is a boy." said Sheya.
Xuebao happily carried his son in his arms. Seeing his features he is not surprised that the child's face is similar to his features. After observing his baby closely he could see that some features aren't familiar to him.
Thoughts of Xuebao, "He must have gotten it from his father." As if answering his doubts Xuebao heard his system's words.
[Wow~ this little cutie looks so much as both the host and the Lord God! So cute~~]
"Baobao~ why don't your baby look like you?" asked Tuzi.
[Shit! Forgot about this silly rabbit. Host, I will put an illusion on the young master to make others see his feature related to your and Lord God's vessel.]
"Okay. Yue I will leave it to you." said Xuebao.
Sheya smacked Tuzi's head and said, "Look again. The young heir looks a lot like the tribe leader and his partner."
"Eh? Oh~ you are right. I might be tired lately because of lack of see." said Tuzi as he could see Xuebao and Meizhou features on the baby.
"You can rest now Tutu. I will be alright. Moreover you still need to prepare for your own wedding." said Xuebao.
Tuzi who finally fatigue overcame him, "Yawns~~ I guess I will take a nap for a bit. See you at dinner~"
"Tell the rest to come in after 5 minutes. I will clean up the rest. But let the husband inside, tell him to bathe his wife with warm water." said Sheya.
"Yes, sir~" said Tuzi as he went out of the room and called for Meizhou.
After the clean up, the rest of the members were finally allowed inside. In the bedroom everyone saw Xuebao laying on the bed half seated while Meizhou sat behind him holding a chubby baby boy in his arms. Sheya and Shizi excused themselves with the rest except for the two elders, Zhubao and Anbao.
"Brat. Let me see my grandson!!" said Zhubao.
Meizhou retorted, "Old man, stop shouting. My wife is resting."
"It's alright father. Come over with uncle. Here. Here look at my adorable boy!" said Xuebao proudly.
"Let me see~ hurry it brat!" said Zhubao as the two elders came closer to look at their new family member.
Priest Anbao commented, "Hm~ the child got A'Zhou's hair color but received his dad's father's eyes. He looks healthy as well. Good. Good."
"So fat! Is my grandson okay!?" commented Zhubao.
Anbao asked, "So what is the name of the child? Have you guys thought of something?"
Meizhou and Anbao looked at each other.
It was Meizhou who answered, "His name is Meibao."
[That's not true! Our Young Master's name is Ye Jingxia1!]
"Meibao? Good name!! Meibaobao~ Look, it's grandfather~~" said Zhubao.
It didn't take awhile for the two elders to take their grandchild to the living area and let the couple spend some time together for a while. As expected as soon as the elders left, Meizhou kissed his wife affectionately. Then gives him a kiss on his forehead.
"Good work, Jing'er. You must be tired." said Meizhou as he wrapped his arms around Xuebao's waist and let the latter lean all his weight on him.
Xuebao closes his eyes and rests his head on his husband's chest.
"Just… a bit. I didn't expect it to be that painful though. No wonder my dad gave birth to me using high technological means instead." said Xuebao.
Meizhou gently rubs his wife's now flat stomach as if to ease his residual pain. "Don't worry. We will plan the second one in the future. If you don't like natural birth we could plan for the second one to be done artificially."
"Hm~ I'll think about it. For now Jingxia would be enough. My love let me sleep for a bit." said Xuebao as he slowly fell asleep.
Meizhou kissed his lips once before they laid on the bed to rest.
"Rest well, My Jing'er~" whispered Meizhou before falling to sleep together.
The newly born baby was left to his grandfather's care for a bit. At least until the couple wakes up after sunset and prepares to eat dinner as a family. This family spends the rest of their life this way.
—
Further in the future.
The first one to pass away is Zhubao. He closed his eyes with a huge smile as he entered eternal sleep at an old age. Few years after Priest Anbao followed him, Tuzi had received the position as the Tribe priest after the death of Priest Anbao. He became his successor.
Hundred years later. The family of three: Meizhou, Xuebao and Meibao had suddenly disappeared together with Shizi and Sheya. No one knew where they left for. Tuzi cried for a long time after reading the farewell letter from his closest friend and brother.
Contents of the Letter:
Dear Tutu,
By the time you read this, I and my family would be gone. We would be bringing Shizi and Sheya with us. As you must already noticed, I and Meizhou aren't originally people of this world like you. But… At the same time our circumstances aren't the same as yours. First of all, we are not mortals. Second even if I could bring you back to your world, you wouldn't be able to as your body had already been cremated in that world. Yue was the one who personally checked on your original body's state in your world. I didn't inform you because I can already see that you have completely adapted in this world and you already have your loved ones here while none of them. [Tuzi is originally an orphan from his original world. A rich young master.]
You don't have to find us as we are no longer in this world. Many words seem weird right now but I am sure you would understand in the future.
I considered you an interesting soul which is why I left you a gift. This is a gift you would only receive the moment you left this world. Tutu no… Lucas Evergreen. It will be based on your choice as to whether we will meet again in the distant future. For now, it's a goodbye.
Sincerely your friend,
Hei Anjing
