Five years since the very first meeting…
A wedding is about to take place inside the confines of Lighthouse Tokyo. However, this wedding is somewhat distinctive. Interspecies and interracial weddings aren't uncommon in this day and age and this one is no different. The only thing that makes it unique is its execution. On this day, members and residents of Lighthouse Tokyo are all invited to the wedding of Minamino Shuuichi and Ikeda Kiyoni.
On the groom's side, things seem to be in order. Everyone is dressed to the nines and Kiyoni's uncle and father seem to be having a time laughing and carrying on with cigars in their mouths. If they were in tune with something more green, Shuuichi wouldn't mind. Speaking of, he stood in front of a full-length mirror overlooking his entire ensemble. It was the exact same one he wore in his dreams, down to the very last detail. The only addition was the decorative white stole he wore around his neck and shoulders accented in golden elements including the cross on both sides. He even went out and got his hair, ears, and tail re-dyed back to that ruby red color with vibrant silver highlights his bride loved so much and was all kept back in a braided ponytail.
"This is it," he told himself, "There is absolutely no turning back from this day forward."
"You look sharp," Shishi approved. He wore the same suit except his vest was gold instead of red.
"Thank you. You think Kiyoni would approve?"
"Yeah. This is Kiyoni we're talking about. Are you sure she was okay with you picking out her dress? I mean, I never heard of the groom doing something like that before. I thought that was all the bride's job."
"Believe me. I was hesitant, myself. However, I couldn't think of anything else she could pull off. Her body shape is just…too perfect for me. Too perfect for that dress. You should've seen her face when I suggested black as the color."
"Ha! Yeah. That too. The color. That's going to be something. I am wondering though…"
"What?"
"Well…oh, no. Don't worry about it. It's nothing."
"Out with it, Shishi."
"Well, Kiyoni may not have known this but…we don't age. I'm pushing close to two centuries. Now that you are what you are, you're probably not gonna age much either. She's human so…"
"Shishi, if you're implying what I think you're implying, that is the most superficial thing you have ever said. No wonder your kind is afraid of love. I love Kiyoni. I love the woman that she was, the woman she has become, and the woman she will be. So what if she ages? Have you seen her mother? Her mother is in her early sixties and she could easily pass for forty. I'm not worried about things like that. Especially today. We went through emotional, mental, and physical hell together and have progressed ever since. I know she'll age but I will love her just the same."
"What if she decides to be a yokai again? Like find some…twisted way of going about it?"
Although calm, Shuuichi yearned to drop a mic on Shishi. Between the time Kiyoni lost the essence of the entity and today's wedding day, the goddess, Hathor, must've decided to give Kiyoni some of her blessings. She was still human but her magic touch and entrancing eyes were still intact. It helped out greatly during her studies.
"As opposed to how she became one in the first place? If she does decide to go that route, that will be on her provided that I am aware of it and that it doesn't put our lives in danger," Shuuichi proclaimed.
"What about children?"
Shuuichi had to think about that. If the pair does decide to start a family, said children will be different in more ways than one; racially and interspecific.
Shuuichi shrugged at the thought, "More fun for us."
Shishi blinked, "Seriously?!"
Shuuichi shrugged again, "I wonder. I think it would be very adorable for our children to come out with my ears and tail and Kiyoni's hair texture. It'll look like that one pokemon. What is it…yes! Vulpix!"
"You have gone totally insane, dude."
"And you lack imagination, Shishi."
Some wild banging on the door interrupted the conversation. It's the maid-of-honor, Juri, and she looks worn out. The black mermaid gown she's wearing didn't help either. She neglected to come in for a final fitting and had a big dinner the night before. The dress squeezed her like a child with a teddy bear and running all over the church made it worse.
"Juri," Shishi noticed, "What the hell? You look a mess."
"Not…" Juri breathed, "compared to…the bride…"
"Eh?"
Shuuichi stepped in, "Juri, what's going on?"
"Shuuichi, thank goodness," Juri huffed, "Kiyoni needs you…now!"
"Why? What happened?"
"She's a nervous wreck! She's crying all over the place, hyperventilating, we can't calm her down and…her period just started. That's what set it all off."
Shishi broke out into laughter, "Haha! So much for that honeymoon. Oh, what good timing. This is infinitely better than going to Aiko's wedding."
Shuuichi questioned, "Oh, yes. I remember her. Whatever happened to her situation?"
"Kiyoni didn't tell you? Once Aiko got married, Butajiri added her to his racketeering scheme. They both got arrested for that, extortion, illegal kidnapping, and forced slavery. Aiko was charged extra for being an illegal madam. Turns out the ice apparitions they captured were not only snatched to produce hiruseki stones on the spot but…well…let's not go there. It is a wedding day after all."
Shuuichi to Kiyoni's rescue, "Right. I think I can help."
He grabbed a velvety, black jewelry box and followed Juri to Kiyoni's dressing room.
Kiyoni was a wreck, lying on a sofa, crying like a Disney princess in her silky black robe. At least her hair hasn't been touched yet. Every silk-pressed strand neatly tucked in a set of large rollers only to come out in loose, wavy curls come showtime.
"It's ruined," she cried, "It's all ruined. Why? Why of all days did my…did my period have to start? It's my wedding day! I'm supposed to be happy!"
"Kiyoni," her mother consoled, "Kiyoni, it's going to be okay. You are going to be okay. I'm sure you and Shuuichi can work around it."
Mom flew all the way from Chicago just to be there for her daughter's wedding and is actually considering moving back to Japan. Mama Johnson-Ikeda rocked a black and white, bodycon pant suit and a pair of solid black pumps with her hair in a cornrow-braided bun.
"No," Kiyoni argued, "Nature hates me."
"Nature doesn't hate you. It never did. Stop blaming things on that. If Auset and Heb-het didn't want you to get married, they would've made things much worse for you and Shuuichi. Remember, this is their day too."
"Thank you, Auset. Thank you, Heb-het."
"There you go."
Juri finally returned, "Kiyoni, I'm back and I brought Shuuichi with me."
"What," Kiyoni looked up with a teary and makeup-stained face, "Wait, why?! Don't you know he's not supposed to see me until the ceremony?! What were you thinking?! Look at me! I'm a mess!"
"You've been like that for the last two hours and I'm sure Shuuichi has seen worse."
"Bitch, don't start."
"Kiyoni," Shuuichi called from the door, making sure neither party sees each other, "Kiyoni, it's me."
Kiyoni met Shuuichi at the door with the same gameplan, "Suu'chi? Please don't be mad at me. I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"I…I started my period today," Kiyoni whined, "Our wedding is ruined and so is our honeymoon."
Shuuichi so wanted to laugh at Kiyoni's dramatics. He expected something like this to happen. It's a wedding. Emotions are high at weddings. Not only that but when has Aunt Flo ever stopped the pair from doing what sexually-invested couples do?
Wedding planning leading up to the big day may be to blame. Dinners with both sets of parents where the Ikeda family gifted the couple with keys to a new apartment with enough room for children which all parental parties hoped for. Separate trips to an onsen for a "spiritual" and physical cleansing. A two-week vegan/vegetarian diet to cleanse the body from the inside in Auset's honor. Shuuichi was for that given what he had to work with. Time spent memorizing both the laws of Ma'at and the Ten Commandments in front of their respective deities. Approval for everything such as clothing, jewelry, attendance, and elements for the reception such as food, music, and seating arrangements. Add a few premarital counseling appointments and it's understandable why Kiyoni's body decided to let go on this day. In the realm of spirituality, menstruation is not only the release of blood but all the built up energies that came with it.
"Kiyoni, you have no idea how much I love you right now," Shuuichi assured, "Remember when we were in Gandara; the time when we were with Mukuro and you were on your monthly then?"
Kiyoni sniffled, "Yeah."
"Do you remember what happened?"
"I sat in a hot spring."
"And where was I?"
"...With me."
"Where?"
"With me. You never left."
"Exactly. Or how about the time when you had caught a cold the day of your finals? Where was I then?"
"You showed up…with some instant ramen and some tissue and tea herbs and medicine and cleaning wipes and a mask on your face. I had to take the exam online."
"Mhmm. Remember all the times we…broke up?"
"Yes. It was painful every time but…we still…we still hung out…like friends. I couldn't leave you alone. You couldn't leave me alone. I still came here for your services and…you were there for mine. Ra's grace, that time we celebrated the Kemetic new year…"
Shuuichi recollected, rubbing his face in regret, "Mmmm. Why did you allow me to drink so much?"
"You're the one who wanted to go all out and show off your foxy side. I warned you to be careful with that pomegranate wine. Maybe more so since it was blessed," Kiyoni sniffled again, "Dummy. You could've smoked to balance it out."
"Seth is a fox god, right? It was in my nature to fox out. However, you're right. I could have. Old habits die hard, I guess. So what makes you think today is any different?"
"It's our wedding day. Brides don't start periods on their wedding days."
"Knowing what I know about menstrual cycles, I think that's a bit of a stretch. However, you're missing the point."
"What's the point, smartass?"
"The point is…I'm not running. The point is…I'm still willing to go through today. The point is…no matter how crappy either you or I may feel, I'll still be here. And we'll go through it together…and always. So what if you're on your period? That's normal. It happens. We'll still celebrate our union. Regardless, it doesn't change my feelings about today or you. Remember what I said a couple of years ago? Love endures all things. Even now. Here…"
A little, green pill was presented through the doorway. Kiyoni didn't notice but the tablet had the kanji symbol for happiness on it.
"Take this with some water," Shuuichi suggested, "Should help brighten your mood."
Kiyoni ingested the pill without argument or hesitation, "Now what?"
Next came the jewelry box.
Kiyoni looked at it and was instantly curious, "What is it?"
"The reason why I asked not to purchase anything new. I wanted to handle that."
Inside the box was a dazzling ruby and white diamond jewelry set. The necklace possessed princess and teardrop cut diamonds to adorn the neck, attaching themselves to teardrop diamonds encircling a ruby that was the size and shape of the infamous Hope diamond or Hope spinel. The tennis bracelet contained round-cut rubies and teardrop diamonds to match the pendant and will go well with the ruby and diamond earrings Kiyoni already has. The rest of the bridal party didn't need to know but Kiyoni assumed that this was one of Kurama's precious steals. At least the blood-colored ruby matched the same beads that made up the "sleeves" of Kiyoni's dress.
"I'll be damned," said mama Johnson.
"Kiyoni…" Juri followed in the same amazement, "How in the world…?
Kiyoni ignored everyone in favor of the necklace. It was unbelievable to look at and it made her discover a new love for the color red despite her condition.
"The pendant is a locket," Shuuichi stated, "Open it."
Inside the large, ruby locket was something that made Kiyoni cry tears of joy. It was a photo of her with her brother, Tai, on the day of her high school graduation. Kiyoni was about to turn eighteen and Tai was just about to enter the world of adult entertainment. Akio provided the picture when he saw the necklace.
"Mom," she cried, "Mommy, look!"
"Oh…" mama marveled, "I remember this day. Oh…my baby boy…"
"Suu'chi, why would you do this? How?"
"I wanted you to know that even though your brother may not be here, physically, he was going to be at your wedding somehow," Kurama answered, "I know how much he meant to you and I'm sure that if he were here, he would be proud of the sister he has."
"Suu'chi…I love you."
"Love you, too. I'll see you out front."
Kiyoni was returning back to normal, embraced by her bridal party as Shuuichi rejoined his.
The ceremony started out like a traditional, western wedding. Black and white roses mingled with red and yellow lilies to line the pews of the aisle. A clergy assistant walked down swinging an incense lantern filled with burning frankincense and myrrh to "bless" the marital path the couple will take. Following him was a flower girl dressed in red who sprinkled petals of red, white, black, and yellow roses over the walkway. A ring bearer carried two white gold wedding bands adorned in polished bloodstones. The same bloodstones that ultimately saved the groom's life by uniting his two sides. Shuuichi's party included Shishi, Akio, and Kaito. Kiyoni's party was composed of Juri, Yukina, and mother Ava who walked in with Akio. Mother Shiori was escorted by her son and sat in the audience, joined by her husband and stepson. She loved the red rose and white lily boutonniere made and given to her by Shuuichi and had already used three sheets of tissue before the ceremony began. Grandmother Ikeda sat in the front row full of pride and gratitude to watch her only granddaughter get married; a bucket list wish coming true. She knew that once she met her soon-to-be grandson-in-law, a wedding was in the works. Dozens within the church and surrounding community filled the pews to witness this event.
As insisted by both the bride and her mother, two necklaces were carried down the aisle. In accordance with the combined ideologies of both the bride and groom, the necklaces were of the golden ankh uniting with the golden cross and were each tied to a red braid of yarn to be presented along with the rings. Finally, to the tunes of the classic Here Comes the Bride, Kiyoni walked in just as lovely as in Shuuichi's dream. He stood in shock as she strolled down the aisle. Disbelief rushed in as he admired the woman he was going to spend the rest of his life with and couldn't wait to do so from this day forward. His tail wagged in excitement which quickly annoyed Shishi. Kiyoni's addition to her dress included two rows of ruby-red beaded sleeves that drape just below the shoulders near her chest and a beaded headpiece that held her bridal veil with the crown of Heb-het (a symbolic cow's head with a sun disk positioned between its horns) in the middle. This was truly a bi-cultural, bi-religious wedding, the mingling of the Kemetic and Christian faiths.
The pill Kiyoni ingested was indeed a mood booster. Its ingredients contained chamomile, lemon balm, saffron, holy basil, ginkgo biloba, and a hybrid marijuana strain that left an orange juice aftertaste fitting for the morning. It kicked in by the time Kiyoni was helped with her dress and she had been on cruise control ever since.
Despite the dark color of her dress, Kiyoni shined brightly in it. She adored it, feeling unique not only as a blasian but as a blasian in a black wedding dress in Japan. Shuuichi broke into tears as his dream came true. Kiyoni was more breathtaking up close and in reality than she was in the dream. She was definitely his partner of choice. On the other hand, Kiyoni loved the ruby red hair Shuuichi was rocking just like he knew she would. She also admired his attire. Something about a man in a suit… Screw menstruation! It's a red light special as soon as the newlyweds get settled on their honeymoon. A little menstrual blood never hurted anyone.
Due to the theme of the ceremony, a neutral priest had to be brought in to conduct the show. He was an elderly, goat-looking yokai and was skilled in this type of thing. Unfortunately, he wasn't familiar with Kemetism so both Kiyoni and her mother had to educate him on that.
"Dear beloved sons and daughters of Amun-Ra and the almighty God…" he greeted, "we are gathered here today under the sight of the gods in celebration to unite this man and this woman in holy matrimony. Before we move on, if there is anyone who believes that these two shall not be wed, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
Everyone looked around. Given Kiyoni's emotional and inebriated state, her giggles lightened the mood. Fortunately, everyone approved.
"Very well. To the family of the bride, do you approve of this union?"
Kiyoni's parents, uncle, and grandmother stand and say, "We do."
"To the family of the groom, do you approve of this union?"
Shiori, along with her family, stood and said, "We do."
That plucked at Shuuichi's heartstrings.
"Marriage is a sacred action. One that is to be blessed by both the heavens and the earth in the form of the gods we worship, the families we were born to, and the people we become. Marriage is never to be taken lightly. It is a solemn promise, a lifetime commitment, an opportunity for two people to grow and mature, and come together as one for the rest of their days. We have received approval from the earth. It is now time to receive it from the heavens."
Hand-in-hand, both bride and groom stepped up to the altar. Two goblets on a base plated in gold and in the shape of Auset with her extended wings held resin-based glasses filled with pomegranate wine to be consumed in front of the goddess and her niece, Heb-het. Shuuichi was quickly reminded of that new year celebration again and promised himself that this was going to be the only time he would consume said wine. Behind the glasses were three white candles. The two slender ones were lit and ready for the pair to light the thicker one as a symbol of two souls coming together as one under the Christian faith.
Kneeling before it all, the couple take their glasses and offer them to the goddesses while reciting a prayer of acceptance, "Queen Auset, goddess Heb-het, we hereby accept these offerings blessed by your ka as a symbol of our union. May our hearts rejoice and be forever intertwined by your grace. By word of Amun."
Ava whispered, "Ankh."
After lighting the candle under a unity prayer, the couple returned to their original spot, facing each other again to give their vows. Pledges of loyalty, respect, honesty, admiration, cooperation, trust, compassion, and love were the themes of the vows. Then came the good part, the exchanging of rings and necklaces. The rings came first.
The priest incited, "Shuuichi, do you take this woman, Miss Kiyoni, as your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Shuuichi replied, slipping the ring onto Kiyoni's finger, "Even beyond death."
"Kiyoni, do you take this man, Mister Shuuichi, to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Kiyoni answered, sliding the ring on Shuuichi's finger, "Even beyond death."
Now onto part two. The adornment of the ankh and cross.
Shuuichi went first, "In the name of God and blessed by his son, Jesus Christ, I, Shuuichi, bind myself to you, Kiyoni, as your husband and king, the Adam to your Eve, and will continue to do so for the rest of my days."
"In the name of Amun-Ra and blessed by his daughters, Auset and Heb-het, I, Kiyoni, bind myself to you, Shuuichi, as your wife and queen, the Auset to your Ausar, and will continue to do so for the rest of my days."
The priest continued, "Let us pray."
While everyone did the Lord's prayer, the couple did the serenity prayer. It was their favorite.
"Ladies and gentlemen, by the power vested in me, the blessings of the gods, and in accordance with the laws of the prefecture of Tokyo in the [xx] year of the Reiwa era, I hereby pronounce these two, husband and wife. Shuuichi? Kiyoni? You may now seal your union."
Excitedly, Kiyoni handed off her bouquet then waited for Shuuichi to lift her veil. It was a lot of veil and the necklace Shuuichi placed around her neck was in the way but it was worth it once the two locked lips.
Mama Ava stomped twice, shouting, "ANKH! ANKH! Come on! Say it with me! ANKH! ANKH!"
The crowd followed suit, shouting "ANKH" as Shuuichi carried Kiyoni down the aisle. They did it. They finally did it and they couldn't be happier. With smiles on their faces, only the future was left to come.