Thank you once again TheNotSoNiceLibrarian and KyoHana for your reviews and support! I hope this chapter lives up to your expectations as well!
Thank you as well to all those who are following this story or added it to favorites. The show of support has been tremendous for a first time writer such as myself.
This chapter, we head to the Crystal Desert to hang out with Hiei! He's gonna fill us in on what's been happening in Alaric and Gandara while Yusuke was suffering from severe angst.
Hiei despised sand. The coarse granules stuck to him like flies to a corpse, ending up in his cloak, his hair, his boots, and even in his ear. It doesn't matter that this particular sand shimmers beautifully in the moonlight or that every speck is a perfect white iridescent crystal. As long as they continue to find their way onto his clothing, his scabbard, and his person, he had no eyes for their beauty.
To make matters worse, he'd been stuck in the Crystal Desert for four whole days in preparation for the royal wedding to be held later that very evening. Never in his most disturbing nightmares had Hiei ever thought he would attend a wedding, let alone help organize one. Initially, he was only supposed to be in charge of security, but Mukuro had asked him to give her away to Yomi, a request Hiei had begrudgingly accepted, only because he felt that Mukuro shared a similar past to his own.
So far, security had been a relatively easy task. Being situated in the middle of the desert made spotting threats from afar effortless. He had teams of soldiers patrolling both within and beyond the camp, returning to Hiei's tent for a report every two hours. Until now, there has been no incidents that made him miss the full force of his army, most of which were with Shigure back in Alaric, watching over their dissenting lords, who have been grumbling quite vehemently about the upcoming union. Hiei could understand why the were reacting in anger, but they didn't know Mukuro's true intentions either. They would soon come to appreciate their King's sacrifice.
The campsite itself was divided into 3 sections: the green tents of the Gandaran side, the purple tents of the Alarican side, and the white tents of the ceremonial area. A path of white cloth cut through the Gandaran and Alarican sides symbolically leading into a white seating and dining pavilion. Beyond, a white ritual yurt had been constructed at a distance from the main campsite to provide the newlyweds with some privacy. Those areas are not to be used until tonight's ceremony, and even Hiei's patrols could only skirt along the perimeters.
As part of their negotiations with Gandara, Mukuro had agreed to let Yomi handle the ceremonial venue, as a result, neither her or Hiei have yet to step foot into the white tents. Not comfortable with ceding too much control, Mukuro had seized supervision of all event catering. Secretly, Hiei wondered if his King was anxious of another poisoning attempt. Even though they were soon to be man and wife, Mukuro was clearly keeping her guard up. Both Kings agreed that Hiei would be in charge of patrols, but with the caveat that he would provide both of them with daily updates.
Of course, their negotiation did not dwell only on such frivolous matters as a wedding ceremony. Mukuro had refused to relinquish her title as King, stating that since her and Yomi are equal partners, they should carry the same title. Yomi had assented to this but countered that as equal partners, neither King should have the right to name an heir without the other's approval, hence Hiei was disinherited as Mukuro's successor. Mukuro followed up with the problem of authority and proposed that the new joint kingdom be ruled by a committee of the two kings and their seconds. This was also met with Yomi's consent but not before he set some ground rules for autonomous decision making.
While Hiei was always present as Mukuro's second throughout negotiations, Yomi had negotiated alone. Not once did the Youko Kurama make an appearance. Neither had he shown up in the campgrounds for the ceremony. Regardless, it was evident that the king of Gandara both respected and was possessive of the fox. While Kurama had only mentioned Yomi once in all the time Hiei had known him, Yomi can't seem to stop referencing the fox during their negotiations. Sometimes he would directly quote the fox, making mention of his political philosophies and his dreams of a united Makai. At other times, he would make snide remarks about the fox belonging to him, as if he was resentful of Mukuro's past relationship with the youko. Hiei found the behavior rather childish and in direct contradiction to Yomi's otherwise patient, unflappable, and calculated persona.
Regardless of how Yomi projected himself, the negotiation sessions left Hiei with the impression that Yomi was like a giddy ningen child who felt he had behaved perfectly throughout the year, and can now barely contain his excitement for the present he was certain he would soon receive now that it was the night before Christmas.
Once all the administrative decisions were made, the final awkward topic of mating, a matter that both Kings had shied from discussing, was addressed. Yomi admitted quite frankly that he was not sexually attracted to females, and while he understood they must mate in order for this union to be finalized, they could never be true lovers. Hiei could still remember the way Mukuro snorted then retorted that perhaps Yomi was not attracted to anything besides one very specific youko. She then reassured the Gandaran King that she had no interest in blind goats, and would never take him as a lover either. Having made their stance plain, the two kings agreed that they would only be intimate once, on the night of the mating ritual, and then they would be free to take whomever they wish as lovers. Both were pleased with this compromise, but Mukuro couldn't help but take a little jab at Yomi by reminding him that he had promised to share his fox once in a while.
Possibly as a result of this little joke, the fox have been entirely absent and most likely will not be attending tonight's ceremony. Yomi must be purposely keeping him as far away from Mukuro as possible. Hiei supposed that might as well be, as he did not want to see the lecherous old goat interact with his pet fox.
The patrolling soldiers returned to his tent to report that once again, there was nothing to report. Hiei stepped out of his stuffy tent and looked around the campsite to see servants making last minute preparations for the evening's festivities. At the next tent over, all nine of Raizen's old buddies have gathered to drink, smoke pipes, and reminisce loudly about the old times.
Over a week ago, both Yomi and Mukuro had received letters from Enki, who was acting as spokesperson for all nine of Raizen's sparring partners, requesting an invitation to the union ceremony. He had made it clear that the group of nine demons were interested in aligning themselves to this new alliance. Yomi, who obviously saw the nine powerful demons as his final barrier towards a united Makai, agreed. Mukuro had no objections either, as long as all nine demons stayed on her side of the campsite. Hiei himself had no opinion on the matter, but had secretly wanted to spar with them to test his powers against theirs. Unfortunately, Mukuro had forbidden him from doing so, as any training, no matter how innocent, could be viewed as aggression by the Gandarans.
Making eye contact with Hiei, Enki, the gargantuan red-skinned demon, raised a glass of Makai liquor, gesturing for him to join them. Not moving from where he stood, the jaganshi responded by glaring at the group of demons until they were all aware of his presence. Once he had all of their attention, he gave them all a curt nod of confirmation before disappearing back into his tent. It was time he changed into his formal regalia.
At long last, it was time for the ceremony. With the guests seated in the white celebration pavilion, Hiei mounted the oversize black stallion that was prepared for this occasion. The first time Hiei saw that animal, he had understood why it must be him who rode it into the ceremony as he was the only one who could ride it unharmed. The fierce animal's mane and tail were nothing but intense orange flames licking at the air.
Riding to Mukuro's tent, Hiei offered his hand to help her atop the fiery horse. Smiling up at him, Mukuro looked uncharacteristically feminine in a deep purple dress of light silk that accentuated her figure. Instead of jewelry, she adorned herself with a leather harness that crossed just below her sternum in between her ample breast. Draped across her back and around her right shoulder was a white cloak emblazoned with the crest of Alaric.
Hiei, also in deep purple, was wearing a form fitting mandarin jacket with black dragons embroidered on top. The jacket flared at the waist to allow movement. Hiei completed the outfit with black silk pants tucked into his favorite black boots and his katana belted on his waist.
Together, they first circled the Alaric side of the campsite, followed by the Gandaran side before riding down the very center, towards the large ceremonial pavilion. They must have made quite a sight. The black horse blended into the night while its fiery mane lit up the two majestic riders, seemingly sailing in the darkness against the magenta evening sky and sparkling crystal ocean. All eyes were on them. Hiei did a quick scan to ensure that all his troops were in place and that the ceremony and festivities would be undisturbed.
Finally reaching the ceremonial tent, Hiei elegantly dismounted. Instead of taking his offered hand, Mukuro swung one leg over the horse and leaped off, her cape fanning out like a peacock's tail behind her. Leading her up to Yomi, who looked very much like a Makai lord with his gemstone-garnished teal cloak atop a tailored brocade jacket and waistcoat of silver silk and teal needle work, Hiei passed her hand to her husband-to-be. Yomi nodded to him in acknowledgement while Mukuro dismissed him with a roll of her eyes.
Hiei quickly made his way around the perimeter of the pavilion to take his seat at one of the banquet tables. At the very front of the structure was a dramatic domed altar held up by elaborately carved marble columns of flowers and foxes. It was backed by a curtain of beaded crystals and flanked on both sides with roses and marble statues. Buzzing within a cascading mosquito net that hung from the center of the dome were thousands of small lightning bugs that lit up the entire altar. While a little gaudy for his taste, Hiei marveled at how Yomi was able to built such a splendid structure in the middle of the desert.
The handsome couple gracefully made their way to the altar. As they took center stage, the guests started chanting:
Women: We are waiting for the bridegroom to come and claim his bride*
All: Hymen Hyenaeia
Men: The bridegroom he is coming and we travel at his side
All: Hymen Hyenaeia
Women: Oh I travel to the grove, to find the one I love
All: Hymen Hyenaeia
Men: We are coming to the grove we hold our torches high above
All: Hymen Hyenaeia
Women: The bride she has arrived at the place that was agreed
All: Hymen Hyenaeia
Men: The bridegroom has arrived at the place that was agreed
All: Hymen Hyenaeia
As soon as the chant was over, both Yomi and Mukuro removed their cloaks and set them aside. Two servants rushed forward to present each of them with new black cloaks of raw silk decorated with symbols from both the Gandaran and Alarican cultures. The two kings took turns fastening the cloaks onto each other's shoulders and then took a sip of wine from the same glass. While it was only a symbolic gesture — they won't be considered truly mated until the mating ritual is complete — the guests cheered in blessing and approval of their union.
As soon as they took their seats, the hall burst into chatter and activity. Servants flooded the pavilions carrying pitchers of Makai spirits and platters of Makai delicacies such as stewed Raróg**, fried tail of the Basilisk**, and blood vine broth. A band started playing a selection of boisterous Makai music which prompted Enki and his friends to burst into song, having apparently downed almost a pitcher of alcohol each.
Not wanting to make conversation, Hiei shot looks of malice at anyone who came close. He looked over at Mukuro to see her making polite prattle with her soon-to-be mate. She did not look particularly excited about the mating ritual to come. Yomi, on the other hand, was impassive and unreadable, betraying no signs of any emotion. He quietly sipped his wine and absently nibbled on some of the dishes. Hiei imagined that he was not even thinking of the upcoming ritual with Mukuro but of faraway aspirations — or even more likely — the fox, wherever he was.
Soon, dessert was served, signalling for Yomi and Mukuro to take the first dance. To Hiei's great surprise, Yomi had no trouble leading the Makai waltz despite his blindness. Mukuro also astonished him by proving herself a capable dancer, flowing on the dance floor like a bird diving effortlessly in the air. The guests ceased their babble to watch the couple glide across the floor and erupted in applause when the dance ended. The two kings made a deep bow and straightened to the clamor of howling and utensils banging on silver wine glasses and plates. Once again, the guests started chanting:
You've cleared your plate!
And now must mate!
No room for strife!
You're mates for life!***
It was time for the mating ritual, a very intimate ceremony that was to be held away from the wedding guests.
Yomi acquiesced by leading Mukuro behind the altar to a draped doorway that led to the white ritual yurt. Before she exited the pavilion, Mukuro turned to give Hiei a little wink, her way of reassuring him that all would be well. The howling and clamor did not halt until they finally disappeared behind the drapes.
Hiei got up from his seat. The real carousing begins now.
Author's Notes:
Ok, TheNotSoNiceLibrarian, *now* we get to go trash some labs. :D
Next chapter should be a joint POV chapter with both Hiei and Yusuke. I'm going to try very hard to finish it up by the end of this week, if not, I'm afraid that the next update won't come until mid November as I will be travelling for work in early Nov.
*The wedding chant was taken verbatim from a Pagan processional hymeneal chant.
**Random names of mythical features that sounded nice to me.
***Ugh..I really can't write poems.