Twelve Weeks of Ikarishipping

Title: Arranged

Genre: Romance/General

Rating: K+

Summary: Hikari is sent to the new feudal lord to be married.

AN: I finally updated! And I've decided to make the marriage story that I was planning on writing into a feudal era one. :D….or I can write two marriage stories. No worries 'bout that…

Disclaimer: Standard disclaimers apply.

Week 10: Arranged (a.k.a. It's one of THOSE types of stories AGAIN)

"Hikari-san, I thank you on behalf of our village for your willingness to become our new lord's bride," the village elder said, securing a good luck pendant around Hikari's neck. "I know that he is in fact a demon, but I hope you will overlook this."

Hikari smiled grimly, staring at her profile in the mirror. She had on a fine crimson silk kimono with pale golden sakura blossoms and delicate white cranes. She truly looked like a beauty—her mother would have been proud. "It's nothing, Gokumatsu-san," she replied bitterly. "My mother would have wanted this, and I am pleased that I will be saving our village, as well as many others. I just hope Kengo won't mind."

"Ah, yes, Kengo," the elder said, a contemplative look on his face. "My grandson is quite smitten with you, is he not?"

Hikari could not help but blush prettily at the comment. "Hai, I suppose he is, Gokumatsu-san," she replied softly. "But I can only see him as a friend." Taking one final look into the mirror, Hikari quickly tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear before standing up and bowing. "I suppose it is time to go now. Good-bye, Gokumatsu-san, I hope that we will meet up again someday."

The traveling band was waiting outside, her Ponyta stomping with impatience. Kengo offered her his hand and helped her on before bowing respectfully. "I wish you well on your journey, Hikari," he said, a hint of spite laced in his voice for the new lord.



"Thank you, Kengo," Hikari replied with a sad smile. "We must go now, before the sun sets. I wish you and the village good luck." With a quick pat on Ponyta's side, the group set off.

The journey to the capitol of the region, Tobari, was arduous. The region was surrounded by tall mountains that protected it from invaders. If the invaders somehow managed to get through the outlying barriers, they would have to trek over the rocky and snowy terrain (as well as face rouge demons and bandits) to reach the center where the capitol lies. It was good that the people of the region knew of its shortcuts, though even with the hidden secrets of the land it was still hard to traverse.

It had taken Hikari's band two weeks to get to the capitol with all of the shortcuts. Luckily, when they left, spring had already taken its grip. There were no worries about snowstorms or blistering heat; the only trouble they ran into was a mudslide after a weekly deluge.

"Look, Hikari-dono," Haiji, a guard that she had befriended, said in awe. "There is Tobari. No matter how many times I see it, that city always renders me speechless."

Hikari had to agree with her friend. Looking down from atop the hill they were on, Hikari could see the buildings glimmer in the sunlight. Tobari was famous for its crystal buildings that towered high into the air, making homes for humans, demons, and Pokémon alike. At the center of the city was the Tengan Palace, home of all the rulers—'Where my soon-to-be husband lives…'

Hikari took a deep breath and tightened her grip on her Ponyta's reins. She had never really considered her marriage before, or rather, what her husband would act like. She had heard rumors that he was cold, silent, and ruthless, and that his elder brother was a rapist and a murderer. 'That's absurd, baka!' she mentally screamed, whapping herself lightly on the forehead. 'They are nothing but rumors spun by those gossiping old women.' Her hands tightened even more in resolve. "I can't let those silly stories get to my head," she muttered, urging her ride forward. "I'm sure he's not that bad…"

Kouji, Haiji's younger brother looked up at her with a raised eyebrow. He was quiet and reserved, though quite handsome (Hikari blushed and quickly shook her head at the thought). "Who's not bad?" he questioned, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"E-e-eh, n-no one, K-Kouji-kun," Hikari replied, stuttering. Her heart pounded in her chest erratically. It was so loud she was sure the man next to her could hear it. Kouji just smirked, flashing a bit of canine while the wind tousled his dark violet hair. 'Dear 

Cresselia, he should not look so SEXY like that!' Hikari whimpered silently. 'No, no! I should not think like that! I am about to be married, for Latias' sake!'

They reached Tengan Palace swiftly, Hikari all but rushed down to the crystal city. She had to get away from Kouji before her treacherous mind did anything else to fluster her. Meeting her new husband would surely get her mind off the handsome young lad. The servants greeted the party with excitement and anticipation, catering to their every need. One servant took her Ponyta to the stable to be treated for while several others ushered Haiji and Kouji one way, her group another way, and she a third.

The inside of the palace was lavished with fine woodwork and beautiful paintings and calligraphies. Crystal artwork could be found around every corner, from simple Pokémon to complex sculptures that took many years to carve. Hikari found herself being ushered into the throne room, her head whipping about in wonder. The walls were decorated with beautiful paintings about how the world was created.

'But, where is my husband?' Hikari thought worriedly, glancing around. 'He's nowhere to be found!' Suddenly the door opened behind her, and whirling around, Hikari's eyes widened in shock.

"Presenting our new lord, Shinji-sama!"

'What? No way! B-but that's—that's Kouji-kun!'

Shinji's eyes danced with amusement as he held his unconscious wife protectively. It was going to be interesting, being married to her.

HOKAY! That was kind of…short…and rushed…I don't really like it….I might make this chapter into its own story. If I do (most likely am), then this would be like a preview. Don't you guys feel special? :D Anyways, it's late, I'm tired, and I'm too lazy to put up a glossary. Just to let you know:

Haiji: Reiji in disguise

Kouji: Shinji in disguise

AND TODAY'S MY BIRTHDAY!! (7/11) :D Yeah, you all really should be giving me presents, instead of me giving you guys this chapter, so how about you guys leave me some loving reviews instead? I'm not going to update till I reach that 80 review mark. -is bricked- lol Ok, ok, so MAYBE I was joking. XD No, really: leave me some reviews and I'll try to update when I have the time. Till then!

Kamitori/KazeWind/Animeflash