Until Death (Do We Part)
Shiroi's mother's brow furrowed in confusion as she looked between her daughter to the man of massive stature standing next to her. "Let me get this straight," she murmured, having to strain her neck a little to look up into Exodia's face. "You wish to marry my daughter?"
Exodia inclined his head in agreement, his odd, rather creepy grin stretched across his face. Hansha, who was standing off to one side watching, noticed that despite the face and abnormally large size Exodia had, Midori's eyes glittered with absolute adoration when she looked at him. Guess it had to be love, if she could overlook the fact that Exodia could accidentally squish her.
Still, even with the incredible strength, and with Midori only reaching up to a little below his shoulder, Exodia was incredibly careful whenever he embraced her. Hansha thought they were actually a fairly cute couple. Even if watching them was a little painful, for it made him want his own love back even more.
Shiroi's mother turned to look at Hansha. "Well I guess I'll have to ask your opinion of this, considering you are currently the one engaged to Midori. Are you willing to step aside and allow her to marry another?"
For appearances' sake, Hansha pretended to think about it. After all, it wouldn't do to appear too eager. But with Midori marrying Exodia, Hansha would finally be able to have the one he wanted. Assuming Shiroi lived through whatever punishment he was sentenced to.
Finally Hansha smiled and made a bow of acquiesce. "Who am I, to stand in the way of love such as this? I am willing to step aside."
Midori let out a squeal of happiness and glomped onto her love, silently mouthing a thank you to Hansha. He smiled at her, excusing himself and leaving the room.
**
The wedding was held three weeks later, as for some reason Midori was in a terrible rush. Most assumed it was just because she was so eager to be with the one she loved, but in actuality, Midori had another reason as well.
Shiroi was even allowed out of his confinement to watch his sister's wedding. He stood toward the back of the great hall, heavy chains still hampering his movements, guarded on each side by his brothers. He was skinnier than he had been last Hansha had seen him, and he seemed to have a hard time holding himself up against the weight of the chains that dragged him down. But Hansha was pleased to see how happy Shiroi looked as he watched the ceremony as his little sister married Exodia.
After the last vows were spoken, Shiroi was returned to his imprisonment, and with him went Hansha's happy mood. It was in this state of glum depression that Midori found Hansha several hours later, after the guests had started to clear out.
"Cheer up, sweetie," Midori said gently, offering him a plate with a slice of cake on it. "You don't have to marry me anymore. That alone should make you happy."
The Dark Magician raised an eyebrow at her, obviously not finding the joke funny.
"Anyway," Midori continued. "Mother asked me what I wanted as a wedding present. I told her I wanted my brother freed."
Hansha blinked at her, a little hope rising up in him. "You think she'll let him go?"
Midori shrugged. "We'll see. But mother is awfully happy with me for marrying Exodia; it's as good politically for our kingdom as marrying you would have been. So maybe if she's pleased enough with me, she'll grant me what I asked for."
"I hope so," Hansha murmured. "I miss him."
She hugged him, trying to reassure him somehow. "Don't give up. I got what I wanted, and I'll be damned if you don't get what you want too."
**
It seemed like an eternity later when Shiroi's mother finally called everyone into the great hall for the sentencing of her son. Hansha was nervous as hell, and it didn't help any to see the condition Shiroi was in when he was finally brought up. Having had so little to eat for so long had left the Blue Eyes so weak his two brothers practically had to carry him into the room.
When everyone was settled, Shiroi's mother began. "We all know of the terrible crime my son Shiroi has committed. Now is the time when it shall be decided how he will be punished for this act." She gestured to Hansha. "Step forth."
Blinking slightly, Hansha took a step forward, making a slow bow to her and wondering what she had in mind.
"I have noticed that despite Shiroi's betrayal of your person, you bear him little to no ill-will. In fact, you seem fairly concerned about his welfare," said Shiroi's mother. "Have I judged this correctly?"
Hansha nodded in agreement, still a little confused.
Sighing softly, Shiroi's mother smiled at him. "As this crime was committed against you, I think it only fair that you be the sole decider of Shiroi's fate. And as it appears you do not want Shiroi to be punished harshly for this, I am delivering him into your hands."
The Dark Magician blinked at her in startled confusion as she made her final judgment.
"Shiroi is hereby property of the Dark Magician Hansha, who may do as he wishes with him."