Disclaimer: The conceptual idea of Wish, such as the characters, story and so forth are the copyrighted material of CLAMP and their affiliates. I, however, am the owner of those things that did not original appear in the manga itself.

Author's Notes: Sorry it took so long to post this chapter! I swear, it's been one thing after another lately. Chapter 6 is ready now, and will be posted once I get a chance to review it. Ciao! : )

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A WISH Fanfiction

HEAVEN and HELL

(Chapter Five: Coronation)

HEAVEN

Heaven was bustling. Angels were flying in every direction, hurriedly going about their business. There was much to be done with only a short time to finalize all preparations. But amongst this whirlwind of activity, Ameijusto was oblivious to it all. She was absorbed in her own thoughts. No, she was tormented by them.

She sat perfectly still, poised effortlessly on a boulder in one of the great gardens. Between her fingers she held a leafed twig which she twirled about subconsciously from time to time. The wind swept by gently, catching her robes and hair blowing them in every which way, before calming down into nothing again. As stiff as a statue she sat, thinking: Why? Why can I still see his face? I'm haunted by it. Its sad and confused expression bothers me so. But, why? Because I concealed the truth from him? No, I don't think so. There must be something more to it than that. I just don't know what. Everything used to be so clear and now, I don't know what I'm doing anymore.  She shook her head in frustration. It bothered her immensely that this plagued her thoughts so much. No matter how much she tried to put it out of her mind, somehow it stole into them again, demanding all her attention. And the reason for it even now eluded her. She couldn't help but think that maybe, there could have been an alternative choice, one that she simply had not seen at the time. It didn't have to turn out like this.  There could have been another way, I'm sure of it. I was just blind. There is no one to blame but myself. I've caused more pain on an already hurt heart, than I intended when I agreed to our meetings. I don't understand why things turned out so horribly. I feel wretched. Maybe if I had told me the whole truth, things could have been different. If only, there was more time…

That's just it, there was no time. There was no time to fix any of her past mistakes, but an abundance to make new mistakes. The only option left now was to hope and pray for the best, under the circumstances. Time would reveal everything. It was this fact that Ameijusto hated. Time. In her mind, it was time that would make everything much worse, possibly to the point of being irreversible. Indeed she was in danger of losing everything that she held dear. Her future stood on the edge, either outcome threatening to come true. It was a compromising position that she now found herself in. She dreaded what was to come with the days ahead. With every moment that went by she only felt more and more anxious, her heart about to jump out of her chest at a moments notice.

At last, she sighed heavily. There was nothing that can be done now. Worrying constantly will get me nowhere. I have to wait to see how things play out. I hope that once I've had a change to explain, he will understand. I pray that he will.  Finally somewhat resolved, she began to relax, her mind beginning to drift to other important matters, such as a certain upcoming event on the Bridge.

            "Ameijusto! There you are. I've been looking all over for you." A familiar voice called out a short distance away. Ameijusto shuttered slightly to hear her name suddenly in the silence. In truth, she was annoyed. She had come to such a remote garden to escape and find a few moments to be alone with her thoughts. She sighed. I guess, things will be different from now on. My freedom will be limited. She smiled and turned to meet the angelic intruder.

            "Oh, Suihou, it's you (*)," instantly relieved that it was her long time friend. If anyone had come to intrude upon her space, she was delighted it was him. She tried to remember the last time she sat and really talked to him but couldn't. It had been on long since the pair had spent any time together. She was thankful for his company, now when perhaps she needed him to most.

            "Well, it's nice to see you too!" , his voice was light almost musical, as he advanced toward her, with a mock expression of hurt on his face. It seemed that he was laughing at her, but for what, she had no clue. He stood only a few inches away when he dropped down, peering into her eyes, both hands on hips.  "Now, now what's this? Why would someone as pretty as you be making such an ugly face? You should really stop scolding like that. It might get stuck that way."  Ameijusto laughed. Satisfied that he achieved the desired response, he dropped down to the grass beside her, as if tired.

            "Ameijusto"

            "Hm"

            Suddenly becoming serious, Suihou asked, "How are you? I mean, really, how are you with all this?"

            "To be honest, I don't know. I mean, it seems like only yesterday the candidates where chosen, you know. I still can't believe it. I still….adjusting, I suppose." She looked down on his sitting form trying to understand what he was getting at, but he continued, paying little attention to her at all.

            "How long have we been friends?", not waiting for an answer he moved on, "Longer perhaps than either of us care to admit….In that time, we've gone through a lot together. We practically grew up together. We're close. We were close. Lately is seems that we've drifted apart."

            "Suishou…." As much as it pained her to admit it, he was right. The time that she would have normally spent with him had been replaced with her outings with Kouryuu.

            He shook his head, as if shaking off his name. "It's true. You've become so secretive of late. You sneak off everyday for hours on end no one ever knows where you are. And when you finally come home, you won't tell anyone where, or with whom, only that you were 'working'. It's not like you at all." He leaned his head against the boulder trying to catch a glimpse of her face since their conversation began. But she avoided him.

            "I'm sorry. I'm sorry…. I can't. I just can't tell---"

            "You can't, what? You can't tell me where you've been all that time? Yeah, I know, but I'm your best friend, or at least I thought I was."

            "Suishou, please don't say that." She slide to the ground and reached out to cup his face toward herself. He looked genuinely hurt by the lack of trust she placed in their friendship. "You know that you will always be my closest and dearest friend, but this secret that I hold is for me to bear alone. It's better for me this way. And it's better for you."

"Even still, if you just talked about it, just once, maybe it wouldn't be such a burden."

            She shook her head, placing her hands in her lap. They looked away from one another; Ameijusto staring at her hands, clutching her skirts hard, and Suihou looking intently on the horizon, eyes glazed over.

"It's just that, I'm worried about you. We all are. If you can't tell me then at least, promise me something?"  He turned to her then, eyes still full of concern, but a smile beginning to spread on his lips.

"Name it."

            "If your burden becomes too much to bear alone and you need to talk, promise me that you'll think of me. What are friends for if not to share in worries as well as the joys that come with living? Can you do that for me?" He placed a hand atop her white-knuckled ones, smoothing them away until they rested flat, sandwiched between his own. It was his way of letting her know that despite the fact he didn't fully understand, he respected her wishes.

            "It's a promise." She smiled at him. Indeed as was lucky to have a friend such as him and luckier still that he had been the one that sought her out. In the course of their friendship Suihou had always managed to be her crying shoulder and much more. One day she would tell him everything, she owned him that much. Until that day, this would have to be enough.

            She relaxed, her back against the boulder and inched herself closer to sit beside Suihou. He welcomed her nearness, reaching above her head and draping an arm across her shoulders, drawing ever so slightly closer. In response, Ameijusto casually stretched an arm across her chest and placed a hand on his. Although their relationship had become strained, it was enough just to be alongside one another, just like the old days. She thought, the old days…It will never like those simple times again but somehow I know that everything will be okay. We will survive. I will survive, and be better for it. They sat for a long time in the quiet reserve of the garden, listening to the babbling brook a short distance away and the commotion still raging in the air.

Then without warning, Suihou stood up, dusting dirt from his clothing. "Don't you think its time that you, return? The archangels will be worried if they don't hear from you soon." Ameijusto raised her head and looked him over. Suihou, in most respects looked similar to Kouryuu in frame, she mused. Except where Kouryuu had dark features Suihou did not. His hair instead of being of the darkest night was white, appearing to be completely translucent at times. Of all the other angels in Heaven, there was nothing that could even compare to its beauty as it cascaded from atop his ponytail. She could ask for no better friend than he was. Everything about him shone like gold upon a sea of black. His personality was warm and welcoming; encouraging her endlessly during her harsh training. His smile and gentle humor had also been a saving grace in those long grueling years. She smiled tenderly. Suishou was invaluable as a friend. I hope that nothing changes between us anymore than it has already. Snapping out of her daydream Ameijusto noticed that Suihou's hand was outstretched. She took it without a thought and with his assistance was gently hauled upright.  She thanked him, before titling her face upward toward the waning rays of the sun. It warmed her all over, giving her the strength needed to turn her back on it completely and accept her new path.

"You're right. Its time I stop running. Let's go home."

 He nodded in return, following after her on the road back to the main temple.

            A couple days later, the preparations were complete and none too soon. Today was the day, the day when the new Archangel would be presented at the Bridge. It was strictly a superficial matter, the real ceremony before God and whole company of angels, took place the day before. The induction about to take place at the Bridge was purely for the benefit of the demons that would gather there. This was the ceremony that Ameijusto was dreading so much. Kouryuu would undoubtedly be there. Seeing him again would make her happy, but not under these circumstances, especially since she never told him of her pending status.

            Ameijusto paced up and down her room nervously. I don't think I can do this. I can't face him, not like this, not there. But, what other choice do I have? I've been appointed and I must fulfill my duties, but even still…It would be like that time all over again. Her thoughts continued to rage as she strolled aimlessly about her room. She forced herself to halt at the dressing table, just when she thought her heart would stop.

She sat at the vanity, looking deeply into the mirror. Today she looked the part of authority, of an archangel. She wore a fitted scaled bodice that dropped to a low V-neck. Her parted skirts flared out at the hips but curved in for a loose fit before pooling on the floor, effectively forming a small train behind her. On her shoulders she wore valences and a cape, and on her back hung a quiver of arrows. Normally, it was prohibited to wear weapons to the meetings at the Bridge, but today was an exception.  Her hair was pulled away from her face, neatly tied back with a length of sash and braided in several sections. Indeed, she looked the part. The only thing missing was her oversized, but that would be presented at the ceremony's conclusion. I look like a completely different person in all this gear.

            *Knock, knock*

            "Enter." As the time neared, she began to worry so much so that it was impossible for her to remain sitting again.   She walked over the balcony, and looked out, hands pushed against the rail. She nearly forgot that someone knocked moments ago, that is until someone spoke her name. She turned around hurriedly, startled until she laid eyes on the all the archangels gathered there before her, and Suihou with them.

            "Ransho-sama, Toki-sama, Ryuuki-sama, Suihou you're here….Its must be time."

            "Just Ransho. Ransho will be fine from now on, don't you think? We are no longer your superiors. You are one of us." Ameijusto had barely noticed that.                                                                                    She was so used to adding –sama that it became second nature when addressing them by name.

            "I'll try to remember that."

            Suihou let out a long whistle. "You look beautiful."

            "Thank you, but it's not something you haven't seen before. I mean I wore it yesterday as well." She smiled weakly, not wanting to accept the compliment she was charged with.

            "Don't be so modest, Ameijusto. You're a vision of loveliness." Ransho, Archangel of the Earth, swept forward, his formal attire as ornamental as her own.  In fact all the Archangels were dressed in the same fashion. He radiated happiness and pride. Of her teachers, he had been her greatest mentor. It was almost entirely due to him that she stood there today. "Are you nervous?"

            "Terribly"

            "Understandable." Toki added. Ransho shot a stern glaze in his direction, but Toki paid little heed. Ryuuki simply chuckled to himself, obviously entertained by the transaction between Ransho and Toki.

            "Don't worry. Everything will be fine. We'll all be there with you. If there's anything that you don't understand just let us know." Ransho squeezed her shoulders in comfort before dropping back with the rest of the archangels. She been walked through this ceremony so many times in the last couple of days that it could be rehearsed perfectly.

            "We should be leaving now." Toki turned to leave, Ryuuki and Ransho trailing after him.

            Ameijusto was taking her first steps towards the brave new world when Suihou blocked her path. "Wait I second, before you go, here." He took off a ring and placed it in her hand. "I can't be at the meeting, but I want you to know that I'm with you all the same." Tears threatened to spill down her cheeks but she managed to suppress them to accept his gift.

            "Thank you. I'll wear it, always." She placed it on her finger and kissed his forehead before hurrying out the temple to catch up with the other Archangels.

HELL  

            Meanwhile, matters are equally as hectic in Hell. Servants filled the corridors running up and down, carrying and assortment of jewelry and clothing, rushing about franticly to dress their masters'. Kouryuu alone, kept most of the maids busy. They buzzed in and out of his chambers like flies, carrying item after item. It was important that his attire presented him as the lead representative of Hell, as he was since Kokyou's departure. Not to mention that there was to be a coronation this afternoon. It was rumored, that Heaven was presenting a new archangel before the assemble today. Another reason to be dressed in one's best, it would be one of the only times Demons and Angels would meet face to face; usually there was a shadowy abyss dividing the two groups' vision of the other (**). That would be lifted today, in light of the special events about to pass.

It was essential that all present would know be able to recognize the new archangel.

            Kouryuu adjusted his chain in the mirror and stared into it. Here, finished. It took quite some time to prepare this afternoon but now he was finally finished and pleased with the result.  He settled on a fitted suit, with a high collar and its tail broken into several panels that fell mid-calf. Although it appeared to be solid black, there was inlaid pattern offset by gold piping.  The large gaudy chain fixed with gemstones, the color of his eyes, lay across his chest practically hidden. A cape gathered at his shoulders with a clasp and spilled to the ground, the outside a deep purple and the reverse crimson. The final touch was the sword belt he hung at his waist. Once he had enough of admiring himself in the mirror there was nothing to do but wait for the others.

            It was in this time that he couldn't help but thing of a certain raven-haired angel. Their last encounter on the Bridge had been baffling at best and extremely upsetting at its very worst. She'd let him there without explaining anything. It puzzled him. In the days that followed, he came to the Bridge even more frequently hoping to catch up with her, but she was nowhere to be found, making him believe that that was the last time he would ever see her again. It was disheartening to think that his opportunity had come and gone all within a second. There was so much he still needed to tell her. One thing especially. He slammed his palm onto the table. Now is not the time for this. The meeting must come first. Abruptly, he stalked out the room and down the hall, gathering the rest of this party as he went. It was time to depart.

THE BRIDGE

            Ameijusto was really on edge now. She sure that at any moment Kouryuu would round the corner and know, know the secret that she had kept from him. The Archangels chatted merrily amongst themselves while the whole group waited the arrival of the Demons.

            "Ameijusto, just one more thing" Ransho called her to him. "Before we present you, its best that you keep your hood on, alright? It's tradition. Sorry that I forgot to mention that before."

"No, no, it's alright."

"There's no need to do it right away though," gently pulling her hands away from her cape. "Not until the other company arrives at least. You should be comfortable until--" He stopped short and watched the horizon for an instant. "Speak of the devil, never mind. Now is a good time after all. They'll be here shortly." She pulled her cloak about her head and stood beside the other angels, silently grateful that the world wouldn't crash on top her just yet. She couldn't be all that sure about the next couple of hours though…

            The party of demons that arrived was small, but then so were the number of angels present. Each group's was allowed four representatives, making the total amount of those present at eight. Preferring to not to look at the demons assembly she busied herself talking to Ryuuki, who was reluctant to talk to her even now.  Of all the archangels he was the most resistant to her appointment. It was to be expected though. It was well known that he was quite taken with the former Archangel Hisui. He didn't want to see his beloved's position turned over to anyone else. She could sympathize; there were times when she was sure whether or not she even wanted it.

            Kouryuu looked around the Bridge. Nothing in this place really changes, does it? It looked the same as ever. There was little time to do much of anything else, they were late and there were still a few minor details to tackle before beginning.  Two demons approached him, wanting to review the list of their grievances one more time. Before the procession he had hardly steal a glimpse of a hooded figure, obviously the inductee. The music began then and everyone proceeded into the very center of the Bridge.

            The procession was stiff and brief. A little to brief for Ameijusto's taste but it served its purpose. One each group gathered on their respective side, the music stopped and the abyss lifted.  The ceremony was about to begin. Ameijusto could hardly hear Toki begin over the beating of her heart.  

            Toki stepped before those gathered and began, "I am Toki, Archangel of Water, endowed with the almighty power and authority of God since the beginning of time, stand ready to present the new Archangel of Wind. Who here wishes to be inducted into the great ruling body of all the angels of Heaven?

            "I so wish it" Ameijusto boldly strolled down the read carpeted aisle, squaring her shoulders and raising her chin as she stopped at the altar's base. Toki looked at her flatly, "Do you believe yourself worthy of the greatest honor bestowed by God upon angels?"

            "I do."

            "Who here among the heavenly host can vouch for this?"

            Ranshou and Ryuuki were suddenly behind her. Although she could not turn to see them, she knew they were there, standing tall and proud, "I will." In turn each archangel rattled off a list of her accomplishments lasting several minutes each. When they finished Toki too accounted her readiness.

            "Candidate approach the altar." Leaving the relative safety of her mentors, Ameijusto ascended the few stairs that separated her from Archangel Toki, and knelt with her back toward the audience. "I, as representative of God's authority, hereby acknowledge her accomplishments and trials. And before these assembled, I grant you the title of Archangel of the Wind." Toki placed his hands about her still cloaked head. Ameijusto felt something then as Toki touched her head. She felt empowered; finally coming in to all her power. She'd only be granted enough to train before today. "Now rise with weapon in hand and sit at our table." Toki offered her bow with both hands and bid her to present herself.

            Still at the top of the altar and shrouded in darkness, Ameijusto began her speech, "I have been appointed by God, under the instruction of those the remaining Archangels to occupy the seat vacant. I am the element of Wind, the bringer of currents, breeze and gale's gentle and strong. I am the Healer, the Archer, my bow in hand ready to deliver God's will. I am Ameijusto, Archangel of the Wind." She removed her hood then and revealed herself to everyone. There had been complete silence before the unveiling, now hushed whispers broke out among the demons. All eyes were on her as she accepted the congratulations on the archangels and prepared for formally introductions with the demons.

            Kouryuu was shocked. He could only stand there perfectly dumbfounded as everything become crystal clear. Painfully clear. So this is why we couldn't see each other again. She knew that this day would come. With her title things would definitely become more difficult, not that they were any better before. He was impressed, the way she carried herself was different from those other times.  He observed her now, thanking the other archangels, choosing an indirect path to stand before the demonic company. It didn't matter now. This is a formal affair, requiring formal emotions and actions; how ironic that this could possibly be the only other chance he'd have to ask any other questions that burned into him. Curiosity would have to wait until later, if there was a later.

            Ameijusto stood squarely face to face with Kouryuu. She stared straight into his red cat-like eyes, face surprisingly set with a smile and serene. She made a grand bowing gesture placing a hand over her heart as she stood upright again.  "My name is Ameijusto. It's nice to meet you. I look forward to continuing our peaceful co-existence and working side by side to create it."

Kouryuu bowed too. "I am Kouryuu, nephew to Satan, leader of the demons you see before you. I, too look forward to achieving our mutual benefits." She smiled again, before moving on to the next member.

            After introductions were made, the altar vanished and a large round table appeared. Everyone sat around it; the real work was about to begin. Representatives on both sides began to voice their concerns and then discussed, in depth, ways to either resolve them or, if there was no resolution to be had, a compromise agreeable to Heaven and Hell was devised. Although she was a new comer, Ameijusto's concerns were listened to and addressed with the same reverence and seriousness as the other attendees.

Kouryuu throughout the whole meeting sat back nestled in his chair listening attentively. It seemed to her as if he was consumed with an authoritative aura becoming every bit the dignitary needed to present Hell's interest. It was only when his gaze slipped over to Ameijusto was his newly adapted persona betrayed. His eyes would linger for a moment before retaining their original position but the treachery still remained. Of those present it seemed that only Ransho noticed, but his face never let on.

            Late in the afternoon, the meeting was finally beginning to wind down. It had been an unusually long one but it was well worth it, much had been accomplished during the hours since it began. And it appeared as if both sides were happy at its conclusion. Brief goodbyes were made and then everyone began primed to return home.

            Ameijusto was amazed at how fast the meeting went by. It was over as fast as it had started. But she was even more astounded at herself. Despite the fact, she'd been worried out of her mind this morning when it came to it; her initial fear had been replaced with tranquility. What seemed to be such an impossible situation then somehow became trivial. The problem still persisted though, and would have to be addressed eventually. Now however was not a good time; Kouryuu would just have to think the worst of her for a little bit longer.

Ameijusto, along with the other archangels, proceeded to walked out of the clearing, the demons doing the same.  Last in line, she glanced over her shoulder to watch him go but he was watching her. They caught eyes briefly. She couldn't read his emotions but she smiled reassuringly at him. She turned his back on him; at the moment he had other business to attend to as did she, and walked into the tree line after the other angels, en route home.

Kouryuu was relieved too see her smile as she left. It was heartening; perhaps they would have time to reconcile their differences.

"My lord?"

   Kouryuu smiled broadly. "Let's go home"

THANKS FOR READING!

There's more to come in about a week or so, check back then!

Akuma

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NOTES:

(*) ""Oh, Suihou, it's you," instantly relieved that it was her long time friend. If anyone had come to intrude on her space, she was delighted it was him. She tried to remember the last time she's sat and talked to him but couldn't. It had been on long since the pair had spent any time together. She was thankful for his company, now when she needed him to most.""

Again keeping with the theme of WISH character names, I introduce another angel, Suihou. Suihou means quartz in Japanese.

            (**)  "Another reason to be dressed in one's best, it would be one of the only times Demons and Angels would meet face to face. Usually there was a shadowy abyss dividing the two groups' vision of the other"

            I remember reading somewhere in WISH that while the Angels and Demons meet frequently they don't actually see each other. I think it was somewhere in Kokyou's short story, or somewhere around there

Author's Notes: Out of all the chapters that I've written so far, this chapter was by far the hardest. There's more jumping around from place to place than the others so it was difficult to keep the overall feel going. I hope I managed to do it, while keeping the characters personalities fairly consist. I, personally think that I have to work more on that.