Chapter Twenty Three: Eternal Vows

(A fair warning to everyone, some major fluff ahead!)

I took a deep breath. I felt the air slowly entering my vessels lungs, my chest expanding, the blood that filled this forms veins flowing steadily. I moved my hands and flexed my fingers. I felt the tendons and joints moving to obey my command. Every touch was electric, every sensation was alive. I reveled once more at this world which I watched over. It was amazing; no matter how long I lived within this realm such simple things still left me in awe. The wind blew against my body, my aura protecting me from the chill of the winter air. I raised my arms and held my open hands in front of me. I felt my power flow from inside me, my vessel slowly releasing the energy I called upon. I felt the tendrils of my power float down my arms and escape into the air from my fingertips. My nerves danced from the sensation of the release, my energy flowing down to the world below and soaking into the land.

I urged the grass, frozen in the soil below the snow, to sprout. I blanketed my power along the tree roots of the forests. I helped the sap within the slumbering giants to thaw. I sent life into their boughs and small buds sprouted on their limbs. I moved my conscious into the Earth's vast aura. Slowly I nudged the sleeping forms that slumbered in their burrows, their dens, their homes. I pushed forward to the rivers. I moved my arm slightly, sending a bolt of power into the frozen liquid and making the first crack. I called on my life source, the sun, and beckoned it to focus its rays on the earth and warm the chilly air. Lastly I sent my being into the soil and focused my mind in every particle. Within the earth I imbued my power and enriched the parched soil.

This was my duty, my responsibility, my calling. As I did all that needed to be done to ready the world for the coming spring, my mind slowly became empty of all thoughts. My emotions receded and my doubts cleared. A tranquil peace entered my being as I became one with all life. This is what I am meant for, to heal, to change, to give the precious gift of life. I marveled once more at the endless cycle that was life and death, beginning and end. As my thoughts drifted I found myself once again wishing that I could be rid of this vessel. I wished I could free my spirit from this bound form and find peace in this endless circle of energy.

I cast aside the notion, even though my spirit detested this shackle, I myself loved it. I was both a part and separated from the cycle. From this body I could contribute to the cycle as an individual being, and through my power I could be cohesive with the abundant life forces. I closed my eyes and basked in the suns radiance, this was the unity I helped support.

Oh the spring, the season when new life sprouts from the earth. It's a time for flowers to bloom and for little babies to pop out of the woodwork. Slowly the cold touch of winter was receding; the once glittering landscape that was blanketed by soft snow was yielding to the new green grass. This was a time for new beginnings and for change. I shivered from the thought and the lingering chill of the winter air; I leaned forward to pick the last of my Green Bells of the season. Every time I moved to make my way toward another flower my boots would splash in sloosh.

Now sloosh, a word of my invention, is a combination of hard snow, melting snow, and good old mud. Cursing, I kicked the hated mixture off my boot and yanked the flower none too gently out of the ground. The flower ripped out of the frozen soil and a stepped back. "Drat." I said when I opened my hands to see the flower. Its green stem was bent in half and nearly torn in two. I moved to place the damaged plant in my rucksack to dispose of later but a large hand reached out to stop me. "Wait." The Harvest King said.

I felt the heat of his aura increase slightly before he removed his hand from my own. I gazed down in wonder at the flower, the green stem completely intact. "How did you…?" I wanted to snatch the words back but they floated out of my mouth and into the cold air. He smiled down at me in that, I Am a Big Harvest God Hear Me Roar, kind of way. I felt my cheeks burn in embarrassment and turned away from him. "What are you doing here?" I asked my voice harsh. I lifted the shipping bin's lid and placed the flower bundles inside. He walked up to stand behind me, the heat of his power warming my chilled body.

"No reason." He said while reaching forward to twine his fingers in my hair. I shivered again and my cheeks must have been two red tomatoes. "Are you cold?" he asked. "No, the winter air doesn't make my bones chatter in the slightest." I could feel his irritated glare on the back of my head. The Harvest King pulled me into his arms just as the shipping bin's lid slammed down. "I'm not happy." He grumbled. I reached up to curl my fingers around his forearms. "I know, you've told me eleven times now." Now ladies and gents, the reason my husband to be is unhappy is because our wedding has been pushed to the fifteenth of spring.

What happened to prolong the biggest moment of my life was a snooty little man from Harmonica Town. Can you guess who? I was on my way to the Tailor's to order a dress made when I bumped into Gill. He was lurking outside of the Tailors when he spotted me. The little imp barred the doorway and glared up at me. "We need help for the flower festival." He huffed. "And?" I asked while raising an eyebrow. "And," Gill snapped, "You are going to help." "Am I now?" I goaded, messing with this little guy was too much fun. "You insolent…" I raised a hand up to stop his oncoming lecture and a potential headache.

"Shut up Gill. Unlike some of the people on this island I have a backbone. You don't intimidate me in the slightest. Now," my smile standing out in stark relief from the daggers that must have been my eyes, "Either you move or I can make you move. Which will it be?" I asked. Gill dropped his arm and stepped back. I sighed in relief and moved to grab the knob. "Why do you need inside the Tailors to badly?" He asked, this kid was sharp. "None of your business little guy, it's something that concerns adults." I hissed. He glared up at me with ice blue eyes. "I'll have you know I am your age Hikari. But back to the point, I need your help for the festival." He said.

"Surely the great Gill doesn't need help from the likes of me." I exclaimed. I turned the knob and shoved him aside with my shoulder. "To bad that Anissa and Jin won't be able to show Van all the medicinal flowers at the festival. There won't even be a festival if we can't set up in time." Gill said behind my back. I stopped and sighed again. "Fine." I said through gritted teeth, Anissa was my weak spot. "Superb! I can expect forty Green Bells from you by… Friday the latest?" he asked. I whirled around. "Forty? That's a third of my entire winter harvest!" I yelled.

"Don't worry about it." Gill said while patting my back. "If we have enough tourists and the flowers sell then there will be plenty of money to reimburse you with!" He said, as if that solved everything. "And just how do you expect me to renovate my house?" I asked. He lifted his hand from my back and rubbed his chin. "I suppose I can call in a favor from Luke, that's if you can meet your end of the bargain." He said. "Fine, now if you'll excuse me…" I said while turning. He placed a hand on my shoulder. "Another thing, just why are you renovating your house? Isn't the classic country theme to your liking?" he asked. I shrugged out of his hold.

"I want a more elegant looking house; I deserve a little treat after all my years of hard work." I huffed. "You're acting very suspicious…" "Bye Gill!" I breathed out as I went inside and slammed the shop door in his snooty face. Candace looked up from her sewing machine and smiled in greeting. "Morning Hikari… are you alright? Your face is quite red." She said. "Nothing." I lied. Candace shrugged and rose from her stool. "So what can I help you with today?" she asked. I rubbed my hands together and stared at my feet, there was no easy way to explain this. "Hikari why are you acting so strangely?" she asked.

"I… need a dress made." I whispered. "Oh." Candace said with a bright smile. "For the flower festival I assume? We have a few new floral patterns in if…" "No not for the festival…" I said. "A custom order perhaps?" Candace asked. "That's it." I said. Candace walked behind the counter and pulled a notepad and pen from somewhere. "Ok I'll need to know the material you want, what patterns, sequins or plain, theme, length…" she continued to bombard me with strange words only known to designers. "What is the occasion?" she finally asked.

Oh boy. "Well nothing special just… well I need a white dress." I said. "White then? What length would you like it?" "Floor length." I replied. "Design?" Plain, but perhaps a small floral trim around the bottom and the neckline?" I asked. "No problem, you'll probably be wanting something modest to. Something that hugs your figure but flares at your hips…" Candace was sketching now, completely absorbed with her muse. "And a modest neckline, low but not revealing… gloves to every gown should have gloves. Wrist or elbow?" she asked. I snapped from my reverie. "Huh?" I asked dumbly. Candace sighed and went back to drawing. I peeked over her head and frowned. "Don't forget the train, but not too long I have to walk a long way." I said.

"Yes we have to take that into consideration, we best lighten the weight of the skirt as well, make the sleeves more breathable…" Candace rambled on to herself for the next several minutes. When she finally laid her pencil down she beamed up at me in triumph. The she glanced down at the paper, fully comprehending what she had just drawn. "YOU'RE GETTING…?" I clamped a quick hand down on her mouth. "A little discretion would be nice." I hissed. I removed my hand from her mouth and she stared at me in shock. "Just who are you getting married to?" she asked.

"I can't tell you that." I replied. Candace stared down at her drawing. "Owen?" She asked. I wanted to hit something, why was everyone on this island so interested in her personal life? "Can you get the dress ready by next week?" I asked. Candace clutched the notepad to her chest. "Next… week? That's impossible… I still have to help with the festival, fill in the last minute orders, and order the right materials…" I stopped her before she had a panic attack. "When can you have it?" I asked. Candace dug her nails into the paper. "I can have it finished the day of the Flower Festival." She answered.

"That late?" I whined. Candace nodded. "I… I understand it's a big day for you but…" her words trailed off. I could see it in my mind then, how much Candace was looking forward to attending the festival. Julius would be there like he was every year, only Candace was going to personally help him design the flower arrangements. I reluctantly handed her the money and told her I would pick the dress up after the festival. Candace handed me the receipt for my order and when I took it she grabbed my hand. "Is the wedding a secret?" She asked. I gently pulled my hand from her fingers. "It is for now." I whispered. She nodded, probably thinking of how to hide this from her nosy sister.

Now let us fast forward a bit, on to the mountain top and the ever wonderful Harvest King. When I delivered the news along with his apple the Harvest King was less than pleased. "And our day of matrimony must be postponed for a frock?" he asked in astonishment. "Not just a frock, the frock!" I explained. He raised both red brows and paused half way in biting his apple. "Surely it is not that important?" he asked. I glared at him, and he was suddenly very intent on his apple. "Trust me Harvest King; it's essential to any wedding." "A white dress is the key to a successful human relationship? Does that mean we must both wear one?" He asked, understanding what a dress was and not liking the idea of wearing one.

I covered my mouth to hide my smile. "I believe I have to be the woman in the relationship." I chuckled. "I still do not think this a good reason to delay." He grumbled. And so my lovely peoples those are the events which have led up to our current predicament. The Harvest King led me toward my house and out of the cold. I felt the welcome sting of warm air hit my cold cheeks when he shut the door. "Perhaps you should rest?" he suggested. I shook my head and made my way toward the kitchen. "Would you like some hot chocolate?" I asked him. He followed me and examined the brown concoction in my pot. "I must decline." He said.

"Suit yourself." I replied with a shrug and spooned the drink into a mug. The sipped tentatively at the drink and sighed in satisfaction. As the Harvest King played with my kitchen utensils I sat down to rest my weary muscles. "Hikari?" he asked abruptly. "Yes?" I asked. He made his way toward me, the black blob that was my cat Iris was folded up in his arms. "How did she get in here?" I asked. The cat mewed and stretched in his hold. "If we are to wed there are things I must know." He said. "Like what?" I asked. "That's just it, I cannot begin to ask all the questions I need answered." I motioned for him to sit but her stubbornly remained standing. "What is expected of the typical human marriage?" he asked.

I set my mug down and curled my fingers around its warm surface. "Well… I suppose it's mostly teamwork. Marriage between humans is expected to be till…" I took a swig of my chocolate. "Anyway I guess we just live together, work toward making each other happy, have children and raise them well…" my voice trailed off. For a moment I imagined a small red headed child, sleeping in a cradle beside my bed. I also couldn't help the image of the empty bedside I would have to sleep next to as well. The Harvest King set Iris on the floor and stood beside me. "What troubles you?" he asked. I met his eyes and all my doubts receded, even if momentarily. "As I was saying, I think the crucial part of the whole marriage thing is love, without that it is meaningless." I said.

I couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips. "Then we shall prevail." I said while leaning in. I saw her cheeks color a light shade of pink as my lips hovered above hers. "I am truly grateful for your existence Hikari." I whispered. She opened her mouth slightly just before I moved in to kiss her. When our lips met she sighed into me and I cupped the back of her neck with one hand. After a few heated moments I attempted to pull back to allow her to breathe, Hikari raised slightly from her seat to follow my receding lips. The enthusiasm she showed was flattering but she eventually pulled away to breathe, her face red. She moved to sit back down but on impulse I wrapped my free arm around her waist and lifted her up. She fell against me and I resumed our intimate connection.

"Harv… ing… Harvest king!" I squeaked out. I pushed against him but to no avail, it wasn't that I wasn't enjoying myself and his excitement was infectious but I couldn't breathe! He pulled back slightly and I quickly inhaled a much needed breath of air. "Ok now let's just calm down and…" his lips pressed against mine once more and he pulled me closer. I felt his hand move to twist his fingers in my hair and the other one wrap around my back as he leaned into me. I felt my brain fry when his lips opened and I found the taste of him, a fresh and light sweetness followed by a mind numbing spice that was all his own.

I grunted into his mouth and pushed his chest again. His crimson eyes opened and looked down at me. He pulled away and pressed his lips lightly to the skin just below my ear. "Yes Hikari?" he whispered. "We shouldn't uh… be doing this." I muttered. I felt his lips trail oh so slowly down the side of my neck. "This?" he asked. I felt my willpower weakening under his ministrations. "Yes that." I mumbled, giving up and forgetting whatever fight I had going on in my mind. His hand drifted down my back to pause at the flare of my hip and I felt my heart skip in its already unsteady momentum. When his lips left my neck my mind cleared enough to groan out a, "Hmm?"

I lifted my head from her neck and slowly raised my hands from her enticing frame. I cupped her cheeks and pressed my lips to hers, a light touch that I knew would send her head spinning. When I pulled away she leaned back against the table, pressing her fingers to her swollen lips. "Forgive me Hikari, I felt your desire for life and I could not resist." She looked at me with dreamy brown eyes and I fought the urge to reach for her once again. "What?" she asked.

I sighed and leaned toward her, placing my hands on either side of her and resting my palms on the table. She looked up at me as my arms closed around her. "Your desire to make life Hikari, I am the vessel for life energy in this world, so naturally I react to the instinct to procreate." I explained. Slowly the weight of my words sunk in and her eyes widened with her realization. "And I am indubitably male." I added. Hikari met my eyes and flashed me that confident smile of hers. "That I knew." She stood on her toes and wrapped her arms around my neck.

When I didn't stoop to meet her waiting lips she tugged at my hair. I glared down at her but I leaned forward just a little. As she leaned up to kiss me I was slightly disappointed when her lips grazed my cheek. "But we'll be saving that for the Honeymoon."

The two weeks passed by faster than I thought, but guess what happened just four days before the festival? That's right; it was the tenth of spring when I brought the loads of flowers to the Town Hall. Gill was none too happy that I had brought the flowers by cow. He glared in contempt at the three cows that were carrying the four dozen bushels of flowers necessary for the festival. As I loaded the flowers off Kiwi and set them off the ground, Gill moved to unstrap the flowers from Lemons back. Lemon allowed this but just as he pulled the first batch off Lemon turned around and chewed into his sweater vest.

Gill cursed as he pulled the soggy end of his clothing out of Lemon's mouth. "Perhaps you should let me?" I suggested. He glared at me and stomped back into the Town Hall. I winked at Lemon as I untied the bundles on her back. When I threw the last bushel of Green Bell flowers up on the front counter Gill looked up from his book for the first time since the shirt incident. "Your cow wasn't raised well was she?" he asked haughtily. I pushed the flowers over the desk to land on top of his book. "Woops." I said innocently. Gill pushed the flowers onto the floor. "By the way we need forty tulips for the festival." He said. "Oh then you have a problem." I said. "We have a problem." He corrected. "Craig has no room in his fields to grow them so yours will suffice."

I placed my hands on the counter and leaned over it. "Listen here pal, in order to plant those flowers I'd have to remove my strawberry crops, and that is not happening." I hissed. "What about that orchard of yours, the apple one? You could always cut down the trees and plant the flowers there." He said. "Also not happening." I snapped. "Well please understand this Hikari, it is spring and your Green Bells will not sell for so high a value since the winter is over. And if we don't have our tulips we won't be able to reimburse you because the festival will not happen. Without…?" he trailed off. I glared at him, refusing to give in to his outrageous demand.

"Come now they are only trees!" he said exasperated. "They are not just trees they are apple trees!" I yelled at him. "Why do you need them so badly?" he yelled back. "Because the asshole only likes apples!" I screamed. "Huh?" Gill said, confused. Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, the Harvest King sneezed. "Who?" Gill asked. "I'll give you twenty tulips that is all I can do." I said. He waved his hand as if to dismiss the words. "Who is he?" Gill asked. "Who?" I replied and his eyes narrowed. "Tell me." He demanded. "How about you get your snooty nose out of my ass and into something that is actually relevant to the festival?" I suggested. He bristled at my words and sat back into his chair.

"Have them by Friday." He said while burying his nose back in his book. I turned on my heel and left the building, all the while feeling Gill's gaze burning a hole in the back of my head. I led the three waiting cows back home with Lemon in the lead. As I planted the tulip seeds I'd ordered from Taylor I cursed with each one I buried in the soil. "Don't overdo it." The Harvest King said from behind me. I nearly jumped out of my skin. I turned with my watering can raised, ready to club him over the head. "Calm down Hikari." He said while taking my wrist in his hand. I surrendered the watering can and he laid it on the ground beside the well. "Do you mind smiting someone for me?" I asked. He frowned at my bad humor and led me toward the house. "I will help." He said. I eyed him skeptically. "Really now?" I asked. "Yes really." He said while shoving me inside and vanishing in a flash of heat. I shrugged and closed my door, all the while wishing every kind of painful end to a certain snooty son of the Mayor.

The Flower Festival was said to be the second only the Starry Night Festival in its beauty. One exception to this particular Festival is that everything was put together by hand. The meticulously designed rose archway above the Church Ground steps, the many colored flowers that dangled form the light chords above the ground, and the many bouquets that lined the perimeter. But all these beautiful flowers paled in comparison to the Cherry Blossoms. It was said that the trees were a gift from the Harvest Goddess and that every year, on the fourteenth of spring, they bloomed to their fullest.

As you can expect our little island was famous for its "simplicity" and "Simple folk" as people from the mainland liked to say. This was our only Festival of the year that attracted outsiders to our reclusive island hidden away in the vast blue of the ocean. I gave the Harvest King a stern talking to when it came to the tourists. "It's a big chance for incomes for us so don't ruin it." I warned while my inner Gill emerged. Her merely huffed and crossed his arms like he usually did. "Do not insult me so Hikari, I would not go out of my way to harm people who do not wrong me or my dwelling. But it is I who must warn you, if one of these 'tourists' of yours harms any living creature or defiles the sacred laws; I will give punishment as I see fit." His words echoed in my head for a moment as I opened my mouth to retort.

However, when I placed a hand on the crook of his arm and he looked down at me, I saw the finality of his words in his eyes. They were cold almost, still beautiful, and they still held that same hesitant warmth, but behind him lurked his true nature. He was in fact a deity, and even though he loved me and allowed human emotions to take hold of him, he always would be. I felt a pang of sadness then, and not for the first time I thought of how one day I would die and he would be left alone once more. I fervently wished there was something I could do, but it was too late to turn back. "Hikari, why do your eyes darken so?" he asked. When I didn't answer his red brows creased in worry. "Tell me more of this Festival, what was it about… couples going together?" he asked. I smiled at his attempt to distract me and gratefully followed the change of topic. "You see…"

The tourists arrived two days before the Festival; Pascal was being run ragged with so many trips from the island to the mainland. Every time his ship made port his swelling ship would unload onto our dock. Soon there was no room in the towns Inn, but this didn't seem to deter the tourists. Soon they came with tents, lawn chairs, and small portable grills. As I people watched with Luna at my side from the Tailor Shop window, I cringed at the sight of these people. I couldn't believe that once I had been similar to them.

"Is that guy walking around with no shirt?" Luna squeaked in horror. "Yes he is." I said in evil glee, such things were strange to this modest and moral filled community. I stepped away from the window and the puzzled Luna and wondered toward Candace. She was bent over a long length of cream white silk while meticulously sewing into its edge. "How is it going?" I asked. Candace glanced up at me from her work. "Good." She said tiredly. I noticed how weary her voice was and the deep circles under her eyes. "If you need to take a break I can wait a while longer for the dress." I said.

Candace shook her head vehemently. "I must get this done." She insisted. Seeing the way her eyes lit at the challenge I wisely backed down. "Just don't overdo it ok?" I requested. Candace nodded as if only half hearing me. I said my goodbyes and stepped out of the shop. Just as I turned to make my way up the street I ran smack into another person. I stepped back and held my throbbing forehead "Sorry." I mumbled while looking up. A tall, thin man was looking down at me with shrewd eyes half hidden by a dropping pair of shades. He wore a floral patterned tourist shirt and jean shorts. "Watch where you're going." He snapped.

I rubbed my head with one hand and glared at him. "Listen here buddy, I'll tell you what you should do. How about you turn around and bend over nice and low so I can kick your flower printed..." "Hikari!" the Mayor called from the Town Hall doorway. "A word?" he asked. I glared up at the tourist, both of us promising each other this wasn't over. I turned on my heel and marched towards the Mayor. "Yes?" I asked. The round little man crossed his arms and rested them on his bulging belly. "What was it my son told you? Do not be rude…" "To the tourists." I finished for him. Hamilton's face turned slightly red in anger. "Make sure you remember it, the town needs this and I don't want you scaring away our guests." He lectured.

"I know Hamilton." I said wearily. Hamilton nodded and headed back inside the Town Hall. Grumbling to myself, I walked across the bridge and headed home. As I walked down the road I noticed a crumpled chip bag thrown carelessly into the grass. Cursing, I bent and retrieved the garbage. I glanced worriedly at the mountain, I didn't want to know what the Harvest King would do if this got out of hand. I stashed the bag in my pocket and kept walking.

I woke up early the next morning to a cat sleeping on my butt. I rolled over and Iris hissed at me for interrupting her sleep. I got up and headed toward the kitchen for some coffee. I poured the steaming brew into a mug and sipped it, reveling in the warmth that traveled all the way down to my toes. I heard the splitting of wood and the scrape of claws across the floor, I dropped my glass and the mug shattered on the ground while spilling hot coffee on my bare feet. Raem stood behind me, the large bear nudging me with her nose. I eyed the bear angrily but Raem paid me no heed. She steered me toward my door and scratched her lethal claws across the ground.

I wearily peeked through my curtained window and onto the rapidly fading darkness of night. The rising sun illuminated the shadowy outline of a tall figure wading through my crops. Cursing and with nerves on end, I reached into my toolbox and pulled out my axe. I stepped outside in my pajamas with Raem at my heels. "Who are you?" I demanded. The stranger didn't seem to hear me; he was bent low on the ground digging into my fertilized soil. I marched over to him and raised one booted foot. The man fell over on his face with "Oomph!" a wet impression of my boot print on his bum.

It was the rude tourist from yesterday. "I thought I recognized those jean shorts." I said. I rested the axe handle on my shoulder and placed one hand on my hip. "Why are you snooping on my land?" I demanded. He stood up, without his shades on I noticed his eyes were an icy cold blue. I glared into the beady things as he dusted dirt of his clothes. "I can't believe you actually own this fine ranch, a homely unkempt simpleton like you." He sneered. "Oh forgive for not mentioning it earlier. But I should warn you, I have an over protective cow in the barn and a grizzly bear who was woken from her nap behind me." I stepped aside to allow Raem to walk up beside me.

"Now you can tell me what it is you're doing here…" I trailed off. "Sloan." He snapped. "Sloan," I continued, "or I can just look the other way and allow Raem here to keep you company." Sloan glared at me and Raem. The bear curled her lip and dug her black claws into the wet soil. "Just inspecting your crops, I study botany back on the mainland and I was interested in how these crops were so well grown." He said. "It's called love and hard work, now get out of here." I growled. Sloan walked off down the trail and I didn't keep my eyes off him till he vanished around the turn.

I glanced down at Raem and headed back inside to start my day. Once I showered and dressed I walked into my strawberry fields and searched the ground. That idiotic tourist has stepped on three of my strawberry plants. I bent to retrieve the plant when I noticed something odd in the ground. There was a small hole dug beside the roots and the soil was missing. Suspicion nagged at the back of my mind but I let it slip by as I became absorbed in my work. Once I finished collecting my crops I placed the gleaming fruits into the shipping bin and headed toward my barn. I tended to my animals and collected eggs from my chicken.

When I walked outside around seven I froze in my tracks when I saw my shipping bin's lid was open. I sprinted toward it and peered inside the open container. Four of my largest strawberries were missing. I glanced around my ranch in search for the thief but to no avail. Quickly I called my animals out and posted Lemon beside the bin. I told her to guard it while I was gone and that there would be lettuce in it for her.

Lemon looked at me with big sleepy brown eyes and lay down beside the bin. Satisfied, I left my ranch and headed toward the town with Gill's Tulips. As I neared the bridge ruckus from the beach on the roadside redirected my focus. The tourists were lounging on the beach, everywhere that there was room lawn chairs sat and coolers sank into the moist sand. I glanced toward the water to see older women and children swimming together. Mothers picking their children out of the water and smiling down at them.

I bit my lip and tore my gaze away. In just two days I would marry the Harvest King. I was scared and excited at the same time, but would we be able to have children? I mean he is the Harvest King, giver of life and all that hocus pocus but… is it possible? Were humans and deities compatible? If you thought about it in biological terms we were almost different species for lack of a better explanation. What if we had a different chromosome count? I shook the thoughts out of my head for a later time as I neared the Town Hall.

I saw Sloan standing beside the doorway casually leaning against its frame. He wore the same blue floral tourist shirt but this time bright red shorts meant for summer. His icy blue eyes met mine and I felt a shiver run down my spine. There was just something wrong at the way his eyes glinted when he saw people or things, I just couldn't put my finger on it. I glared at him as I went through the door and slammed it behind me. Gill jumped when I tossed the Tulips onto the counter. "I expect my pay by the 20th. Here are your flowers so I do not want to hear anything else about how the festival will fail if I don't bla bla bla." I said.

Gill took the flowers and stashed them behind his desk. "You've done well, now there is one more thing I need to ask of you. Don't look at me like that Hikari." He picked his book up and headed towards his father's office. "I want you to enjoy the festival tomorrow night." He said. I was speechless. He glanced back at my flabbergasted face and smirked. "Bring your fiancé." He said slyly before leaving the room. I felt my face burn as I left the Town Hall, both embarrassed and angry. "What a charming blush Hikari." Sloan commented. "Shut your trap." I snapped. He merely laughed as I stormed off toward home.

When I arrived in my fields Lemon was still at her post beside the bin. I led my animals back into their respective shelters and I went inside. The warmth of my house kissed my skin as I stepped inside and closed the door behind me. Iris ran up to me and rubbed herself against my legs. I fed the impatient cat and threw myself down in the bed. I glanced around my large two story Victorian house. I watched Iris eat and wished Finn was here and not with the Goddess. I sighed and buried my head in my covers.

"Hikari." The Harvest King said from beside me. I grunted from underneath my blankets. "Goodnight Hikari." He whispered, probably assuming I was tired and didn't want to be bothered. Before he could vanish into a puff of hot air I reached out a hand and grabbed the edge of his robe. "I'm tired." I mumbled. The Harvest King sat on the floor beside my bed and weaved his long fingers into mine. "Then rest." He replied. I fell asleep quickly that night, feeling comforted by his presence. When I woke up that morning he was gone, but my hand still felt warm.

I watched the humans gather in the church square for their festival. The villagers were setting each flower themed structure piece by painstaking piece. They hung Green Bells from the light chords to compliment the bell shaped lights. The odd tulip was interwoven in intricately planted rose bushes. Everywhere there were Begonias, daisies, Hibiscuses, lilies, all flowers that grew on the island. I watched the humans gather in pairs, their auras glowing with the same violet hues. I watched Hikari near the town; soon she would walk through the Rose arch to the Festival where lovers met.

I walked up the Church steps toward the Flower Festival. My black boots made hardly any sound of the bricks and I once again found myself readjusting my dress. Luna had sent me the soft pink formal gown for some reason, I suspected that Gill had let the news slip. I sighed inwardly once more, soon the entire island was going to know. I adjusted the flower clip in my hair and stepped up the last step. Above me was a giant archway made entirely of flowers. The rich scent filled my nostrils and I gazed in awe at the artistry woven in to the structure. The receding sun made the already red petals glow a vibrant magenta. I smiled at the gentle beauty and my eyes glanced back down to observe the people at the festival. Everywhere there were people, sitting on blankets, children running among the cherry trees, people buying bouquets from the vendors.

I smiled at the families who humored their children's demands on this special occasion. I walked among the crowd and observed the flower arrangement, extra careful to keep all loving couples out of my line of sight. I humored the smug glances that Gill tossed my way as I made my way over to the cherry trees. I saw Julius and Candace sitting on the blue blanket set up beside the church steps. I watched the way Julius placed his hand over hers and how her cheeks turned bright red but she pretended not to notice.

I tore my eyes off the two of them and sat down a few feet from them. I stared up into the boughs of the cherry tree and at the soft pink petals. "Beautiful aren't they?" some asked. Sloan crawled out of the crowd like the snake he was. "What do you want?" I snarled. He smiled that condescending two sided smile. His glinting blue eyes met mine and I shivered inwardly. This guy was wrong somehow. "This island produces a third of the produce that the mainland imports. It's amazing the quality of the produce, the fertile soil." He was still looking at me yet not at the same time. As if his mind was elsewhere, far off in a dream only he knew.

"I would love to hear how you grow your crops Hikari, and may I ask why you are here alone?" he said while sitting down beside me. I inched away, my skin crawling at the close proximity of our bodies. "It's late I should get going." I said while rising. He grabbed my hand, a cold look in his already freezing eyes. "It's only nine, please sit and enjoy the flowers." He said, almost threateningly. I snatched my hand away and took a deep breath for my oncoming rant. I large hand touched my wrist. I felt and arm wrap around my waist as I was pulled so someone. "I'm sorry I am late Hikari." The Harvest King said. I looked up at him with mouth agape. He smiled down at me as I looked at him in astonishment. "If you will excuse us." He said while walking away from Sloan with me in tow.

"W… what is going on? Your voice and your hair and… your glowing stuff and…" I mumbled as he half carried me across the square and deeper into the gardens away from prying eyes. I couldn't help notice the way people's heads would turn as we passed by, even disguised the Harvest King was handsome and regal, something that demanded ones attention. "Hurry up now." He whispered. I followed him into the small forest of cherry trees around the church building. When we stopped I once more did a double take. His long hair was now an average shoulder length with cropped ends. Random locks of hair floated in his face like normal only now he had to keep pushing them aside. He wore black jeans and t-shirt that read, "A is for apples."

I met his eyes and was relieved to see the same beautiful red hues gaze down at me. "What are you… you look human… Or more human that is." I said. He blew a lock of hair out of his eyes. "These garments are most uncomfortable and immodest." He complained. "How so?" I asked while absently tracing the contours of his abs from under the shirt with my eyes. "Yes these 'jeans' as you call them are uncomfortably tight." He groaned out while pulling at the pants leg. "I can see that…" my mouth watered when I saw the way they hugged his hips.

I blushed furiously as my mind rolled in the gutter and met his eyes once more. "Thanks for the save back there." I said. He shrugged absently and glared at him. "He is an impertinent little man, pay him no mind." He said. "So what are you doing here?" I asked. He smiled and leaned against a tree trunk while crossing his arms. "I wanted to see my fiancé under the cherry trees." He said. "Well that's nice." I said nonchalantly. I walked over to him and leaned against the tree myself. We stood in silence for a while, neither of us too eager to break it.

"Hikari do you have doubts?" he asked me. I glanced up at him and then back to the cherry blossoms. "A few but it's nothing I cannot handle." I said. "I will not force you to do something you do not want to do Hikari." He said. I smiled to myself. "That's very considerate of you Harvest King." I said. "But I've already decided that my life lies with you. I can't picture myself any other way, if I try the images look fake and unhappy. Whatever sorrows will come from our being together I will endure if it means I can be with you." I said. When he didn't speak I looked at him frantically. "Forgive me; I know how selfish I must sound right now." I mumbled. The Harvest King turned to me and placed a hand on my cheek. I rubbed my cheek into his warm palm for comfort. "I will do whatever I can do make you happy Hikari." He said while leaning in to kiss me.

"That should be easy, you being a god and all." I whispered. His kiss was light and sweet. I melted under his gentle touch and wrapped my arms around his neck. I found myself missing his long hair to twine my fingers in. "This human thing better be a onetime thing." I said. He chuckled into my mouth. "I find this form is not to my liking either." He laughed. When I pulled away I rested my head against his chest and his arms moved to circle me in a hug. "I want a picture." I said. "Under the archway." "As you wish." He said while laughing.

The next morning the tourists left. A few remained behind for more sightseeing, including Sloan, but the island was finally returning to its quiet self. However I paid this little thought as I awoke early that morning. I retrieved the large black box Candace had sent to my house late last night. I walked outside and let my animals out immediately to graze. I called Lemon over and we rode to the Garmon Mines. When I dismounted I hesitated when my hand reached for the glyphs. I looked back at Lemon. Her brown eyes met mine and she mooed softly and nudged me with her large nose. I smiled and pressed my fingers to the stone.

When I reached the top of the mountain I quickly hopped into the hot spring and cleaned up. When I stepped out I was surprised to see the Goddess waiting for me. My white dress was draped in her open hands. "Allow me to help you." The Goddess said. I stepped into my undergarments and allowed her to slip the dress over my head. As I smooth my skirt and fought with my gloves the Goddess turned to me. In her hands laid two small white flowers. They were round and almost fuzzy. They seemed to shine and on close inspection I noticed that a fine silver dust coated the petals.

"These are from my tree; I hope you will wear them." She said. "Thank you." I said softly. The Goddess placed a flower on each side of my head and smoothed the back of my hair. "You are a vision of beauty Hikari." She said. I blushed and clasped my gloved hands together. "Goddess I wanted to tell you…" she raised a hand to stop me. "I wish you whatever happiness possible." she said. Her green eyes glimmered like emeralds in clear spring water. Both sad and radiant in their beauty. "Thank you." I said with tears threatening to spill over. "Now now." She chided. "Don't cry for today is a day to be joyous." The Goddess wiped my eyes with one elegant finger. "Now go." She said. The Goddess disappeared into a fine green mist that scattered in the mountain wind. I took a deep breath and placed one heeled foot on the first step.

I sat upon my mountain top, my nerves on end. I was both perplexed and amused by the antsy way this emotion caused me to feel. I felt joy, happiness so great I couldn't help myself. I sensed her blazing blue aura slowly ascending the staircase. I turned to await my future wife.

My feet walked up the steps slowly, both from my heeled feet and the person who awaited me at the top. My heart beat slowly, my breathing relaxed and calm. I walked step by step, allowing my mind to settle as I focused on the way my heart sang. When I came up the last step the wind stopped. I opened my eyes to take in the scene before me. Rose petals were scattered amongst the snow which sparkled in the morning sun like a million tiny gems. The Harvest Sprites stood upon the Harvest King's throne as they smiled at me innocently. Then my eyes found him, my immortal, my everything, the one I loved.

The Harvest King still looked the same as he always did, why change when he was already dressed? As I neared him and took his warm hand I clasped my hands in front of me and closed my eyes. "Harvest King and Hikari…" Alan began. "Do you promise to love and honor each other for as long as you both shall live?" he asked. "Fool! Do you expect me to participate in a human ritual?" The Harvest King demanded. I knew it was false bravado so I was willing to ignore that… for now. "But Harvest King the ceremony is important!" Ben exclaimed. "It's where you promise your love for each other. Do you promise?" Collin asked.

This was the moment that we both had been waiting for. I glanced down at Hikari, her eyes were closed but I could tell that her mind was clear. Her aura blazed with her conviction and certainty. I felt my being swell in pride and joy. "I do." She said softly. I moved my eyes to settle once more on the sprites. "With all my heart." I said. "Harvest King, please provide proof of your love." Alan said. I reached my hand out and over Hikari. She turned to me and eyed me skeptically. I slowly merged my aura with hers and I felt the shudder that emanated from her as our energies mixed. I focused my power on her hand, creating matter literally out of the air.

I felt his power flow over me and I shuddered at the intimate contact. I felt his heat flow across my hand and slowly something solid formed around the ring finger of my left hand. I gazed down in wonder at the ring that now graced my finger. A gold band adorned with a red gem gleamed up at me. I gazed into the vibrant red hue of the stone and gasped as all different colors of yellow, orange, and red glinted up at me from within. My eyes shot up to his, the same collage of color that the stone held.

"Um… in human weddings this is where you… you know, smooch!" Edge sniffled. The Harvest King turned back sprites and crossed his arms over his chest. "Smooch? What is a 'smooch'?" he asked while glaring at them. Really? We've done this how many times and you don't know what a smooch is? The Harvest Sprites gasped in horror. "I'll show you what a smooch is!" Collin exclaimed. And to my utter horror Collin reached for Darren and placed his lips on the green sprites own. Daren fell over squirming while Collin had a very satisfied smile on his face.

Ben broke the awkward silence. "… I'm not quite sure what that was but let's move on!" the disturbed sprite said. "Come on, Harvest King." Ben pleaded. Yeah Harvest King, show them what a smooch is! The Harvest King leaned forward and placed one gentle hand on my cheek. My eyes half closed as his face moved in and I lost myself in his eyes, the pounding of my heart, and the magic of this moment. His lips pressed mine briefly, a kiss so light it was if our faces hadn't even touched. I felt energy crackle between us when the contact was broken; our eternal vows were now done.

"Now that you're lovey-dovey newlyweds, why don't you pick pet names for each other?" Collin chirped while dancing. "Hikari, I will call you this when I feel like it." The Harvest King said, one more show of bravado. I giggled quietly into my hand. We were married! "Go." The Harvest King commanded and with a flourish of his hand the sprites were gone. The Harvest King took me by my hand and in a rush of color and air we were in my house.

"Come here." I said to her. She glanced up at me, disbelief in her eyes. I rolled my eyes. "My wife." Her eyes softened a degree and she walked into my outstretched arms. I wrapped her in my embrace and placed my lips against her ear. "You may call me… Ignis." I whispered. Her small hands squeezed me tighter and I heard her heart skip. "Ignis." She whispered. My own heart increased its tempo. I marvled at the sound its insteady rythm that resonated in my chest. I felt pure happiness swell from within me; finyaaly I could hear my name on anothers lips, someone other than my sister. Someone I loved. "I love you Ignis." She whispered. I kissed the line of her jaw and then the elegant curve of her throat, pressing my teeth lightly against her pale skin. She trembled within my arms and I felt a swell of male satisfaction come from within. "Let me show you how much I love you, Hikari."

Ah the ever wonderful power of the fluff. I wanted to apologize for taking so long to upload. I planned on doing it on wednesday the 28th of september but it was my birthday and I was busy as you might imagine. I worked hard on this and I tried to fix any and all typos so if you see any please excuse them and my deepest apologies for taking so long. What do you think of this chapter? Is it silly? Hmm, please R&R!

Goodbye my lovelies!~

Review ;D?