Chapter 1: Wedding Day Jitters
It's been three years after the Destiny's War since Van and Hitomi first met. Once Hitomi finished high school she told Yukari that she was going back to Gaea to be with Van. Although her family was heartbroken about Hitomi leaving, she knew in her heart that she could not spend the rest of her life without him. Since Yukari's parents knew about Gaea they agreed to let her go back with Hitomi, as long as she visited every once in awhile. As Hitomi gazed out of the window and thought of how her life would have been different if she and Van had never met. Hitomi thought I would still be the confused teenager that I was on Earth, I think, but because of Van I now feel happier and more confident than ever before.
"Hitomi, come on, you slacker! You're going to be late for your own wedding." said Yukari.
"Yeah Hitomi, it's not fair to make Van wait any longer than he has to." said Merle.
"Alright, alright you two, I'm coming. Just let me check my appearance one more time." I want to look perfect she thought. As Hitomi looked in the mirror she was surprised to see a beautiful young woman in a white, beaded, long- sleeved, off the shoulder bodice which fit her perfectly and emphasized her breasts. At her waist the beaded voluminous skirts flowed down to the floor, like feathers. As Yukari and Merle secured the veil atop Hitomi's head she thought this is a once in a lifetime experience and I'm glad mine and Yukari's family can be here to share in my happiness.
"Hitomi, you look so beautiful." said Merle.
"So do you and Yukari." Hitomi said.
"I hope I look as good as you do on my wedding day." said Merle.
"Me too." said Yukari. "We need to go before we all break down crying okay."
"Okay." said Merle and Hitomi simultaneously.
In a back room of the church
"I hope nothing goes wrong today. Gods, it seems like I've waited years for this moment." said the nervous King.
"Van please; all you're doing is getting married. You're acting like you're about to lose a hand." said Allen.
"I agree." said Folken. "If you keep acting this way you won't make it to the alter much less the after dark festivities."
"Come on guys, can we please not discuss Van and my sister. It's really more than I can stand. Anyway, I hope you're ready because its time to go. So, hurry up." said Mamoru.
"Alright, we're coming. Van, are you sure you're going to be okay?" said Allen.
"Yeah, sure, I'll be right out." said Van.
"Okay." said Allen as he and Folken were exiting the room. As Van watched them leave he became more nervous than before. Okay Van. Calm yourself. You're going to watch Hitomi walk down the isle and marry you. There that's all. Ye Gods, if only I could see Hitomi right now. Well, it's now or never. As Van walked to his place by the priest, the procession began.
As the doors to the church opened the bridesmaids, Queen Millerna and Princess Eries, and the groomsmen, King Dryden and Mamoru, walked down the aisle to Kaze ni Naritai (Ogata Megumi) Van's palms began to get sweaty. Once Merle and Yukari began walking Van felt his heart pounding heavily. As the song came to an end the doors closed, the ensemble began to play "Ring" sung by Yoko Kanno and Hajime Mizoguchi. As everyone stood, the doors reopened to reveal a vision of loveliness and Van was shocked that she could be any more beautiful than she already was. As she walked down the aisle Van's breath caught in his throat and he couldn't believe that this was the woman he was going to marry.
As Hitomi walked down the aisle she thought he's staring at me. I hope I don't trip or do anything to embarrass myself. Okay Hitomi, all you have to do is make it to the priest. I can't believe how nervous I am, this is the man that I love so all I have to do is look into his eyes and everything will be alright. Apparently Hitomi's father noticed how nervous she was, as his hand patted hers to try and relax her. Once Hitomi got to the alter her father kissed her on the cheek and placed her hand in Van's.
As the ceremony went by slowly and peacefully Van and Hitomi continuously sneaked little peaks at each other throughout the ceremony. He even mouthed I love you at her. Once the Priest cleared his throat, he said, "I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Once the Priest said those magic words Van faced her and raised her veil to reveal a beautiful and smiling Hitomi. When they came together for their first kiss as man and wife every nervous muscle in Van's body began to relax. As Van brought his hands up to cup Hitomi's face he leaned forward to press his lips against hers. He felt a moments hesitation, but that all dissolved when their lips met. It was the greatest gift and the sweetest torture.
As Van and Hitomi pulled away from each other all they could hear was the clapping of their friends and family. Then they began to walk down the aisle to their new life together.