Sometimes You Just Need to Believe Chapter 27 (The Epilogue)
I am still not an owner of any part of the amazing works of Naoko-sensei, though I wish I could meet her one day. ^_^
(First of all I want to thank all of you who have reviewed, read, and subscribed to my story. Each and every one of you. I know I tried to reply to each and every review though I may have missed a few, so I will name off all of you as inspiration on this project in honor of that inspiration : ARiaHime, Redsie, Eternal Cosmic Sailor Saturn, mamoru lover, Joycy, LordHalo, X-Dreamweaver-X, Garnet Princess, nequam-tenshi, MoonPrincessNece, Rose of Saturn, Firewolfsky, SolarGuardianChick, Sailor Vee Vee, Kmylove, Jovian Sun, bladderwort, Aelita56, lightfast, levitas, PriestessHelene, Sailor Moon Has Balls
To anyone new who reviews this story after this I thank you as well. ^_^ With every chapter I was overcome with joy about the reviews. The reviews actually have my fiancee (not exactly a Sailor Moon fan) wanting to not only read it, but watch the series as well…Ok, we made a deal. He wanted to read it and I told him without knowing the story he'd be clueless. So I have agreed to watch Naruto as long as he watches PGSM and Sailor Moon. We're both biased I think because the only episodes I've seen of Naruto were dubbed as were the Episode he saw of Sailor Moon. I have been flattered and overjoyed by all of you. I have concluded that I will carry on the idea of a web manga after the sequel is completed. I will not be writing the sequel right away. A close friend of mine wants me to watch Kiba and I do not want to write a fic with the influence of another anime. For this one I was careful to only view Sailor Moon (I actually re-watched the entire series before even starting). I also viewed amvs regarding Usagi and Seiya pairings for inspiration, read other fanfics about the pairing, re-watched PGSM, and Viewed the Sera My musicals. If it was not Sailor Moon I did not watch it. I think that is why I was able to keep everyone in character even when I doubted myself on it. I really cannot thank you all enough.
In this epilogue, I include some things that reference and even combine my Wiccan faith with the Christian faith. I believe I have done so in a tasteful and positive way. Both faiths are based on peace and love and I wanted to show that there were different traditions on Kinmoku than there were on Earth.
As warned before, this should set the overall tone of the sequel. I will warn you I am leaving you with a bit of a cliffhanger. (Evil I know) But I just had to throw that little tidbit in. I think I am finished with my rambling, and so here you have it…The final piece of "Sometimes You Just Need to Believe" and I hope with all of my heart that you enjoy it. ^_^ Oh, I almost forgot…shori is victory and Paraisu Aikoka Mattaku loosely translates to Utter Lover's Paradise.)
Usagi had never been so nervous in all her life. Her hair was in a partial twist of braids with cascades of fire lilies brushing against her back. Her make-up was absolutely breathtaking. It was not caked on as many brides are wont to do, but it accentuated all of her features beautifully. Yaten had done a great job. Rei and Minako had assured her that the temple looked amazing. Makoto was working on the last bit of detail work on the bouquet of fire lilies and orange ivy. Michiru was checking to make sure she knew how to bustle the train of ten-foot train. She had already started to show in her belly as had Setsuna. Usagi had been kind enough to order red gowns with empire waistlines so that there would not be stares or whispers of chubbiness. Ami pinned the golden veil into place. Galaxia fastened Usagi's pearl necklace. It was not the one Seiya had given to her. Sadly that one was locked on the frozen Earth. This was a new one that had been a gift from Galaxia herself. It was made of golden pearls only found on Kinmoku. They came from the rarest oysters on the planet.
Haruka opened the door. She looked amazing in her tuxedo with the red tie and fire lily boutonniere.
"How is he doing," Usagi asked.
"Just as nervous as you are, Koneko-chan," Haruka chuckled, "I guess this means I'll have to stop flirting with you." Haruka made a little pout.
"We'll see," Usagi said smiling back at her friend.
"Well the temple is full of guests," Haruka said. "We can begin whenever you are ready."
"Let's do it," Usagi said in her hyperactive cheery tone.
Back in the other dressing room Seiya was pacing. 'What if I fall on my face? What if I look too nervous? What if I say the vows wrong, or worse stutter them out like a nervous child? What if I drop the ring? The ring!' "Taiki, you have Odango's ring, right?"
"As I've told you twenty-two times including this one, yes I have her ring. See?" Taiki showed his brother the ring AGAIN. Taiki was growing more impatient with his brother and his nervousness. Taiki had finally "popped the question" as they say to Ami about a week ago, but they were saving the announcement for when Usagi and Seiya came home from their honeymoon. Taiki had chosen to keep his male body while not in senshi form because he and Ami wanted to have children someday.
Kunzite chuckled in the corner of the room at Seiya's nervousness. "Who would have thought that the person who took out seven Harlequins in a single blast would be nervous about walking down an aisle and announcing his love for someone?"
"Your day will come too, Kunzite," Motoki joked.
"Yeah, didn't you see the notes Zoicite was taking while he helped Usagi plan this wedding," Nephrite said.
Jaedite giggled softly in another corner of the room that was opposite the door.
"And just what do you find so amusing," Haruka asked as she entered the room.
Jaedite quickly attempted to stop laughing, but he still managed to get a look from Seiya that clearly said "Shut up."
Its not that Jaedite was unhappy with his life. He did miss his master Prince Endymion, but this time HE would be the big brother. Most of all he longed for the loneliest Sailor Senshi of all. He knew he could never have her. Not in a romantic way. But he had been granted eternal life. Perhaps they could be together at times…Small increments…If, that is, she did not have to unleash her powers of destruction again.
"Koneko-chan says she's ready when you are, Seiya," Haruka said with a grin. Even she had realized by now just how much she and Seiya had in common and had even taken a liking to him. She brought herself close to Seiya's face as though she might kiss him. Instead she reminded him of what she would do to him of the things she would do to him if he ever hurt Usagi. It wasn't pleasant and involved gutting him alive.
"I think you know by now that I would never harm her," Seiya answered confidently as Haruka backed off. "Shall we?"
The men entered the temple as did Haruka beside them. They took their places at the alter. Helios had volunteered to perform the ceremony when Usagi requested it of him. She felt that since Mamoru had been like a brother to her, having Helios perform the ceremony would be a tribute to his memory. Guardian Cosmos and Galaxia had offered to present Usagi since her parents were deep in their slumber on Earth.
The men were soon joined by Michiru who began to play a beautiful keraku (similar to a violin) solo.
The crowd stood in respect as Kakyuu-hime proceeded to the alter. "Please be seated. It is my honor and privilege to welcome you to the wedding of Kou Seiya Duke of Shori to the Goddes Serenity, formerly known as Tsukino Usagi. Let us celebrate this day and mark it in our minds as Shori Day from this day henceforth." Kakyuu-hime went and sat in a chair designed just for her that was set out of the way of the aisle and guests, but where she could still see perfectly.
The tune Michiru changed to now had a more romantic feel to it. The girls began their walk down the aisle slowly. Choosing her maid of honor had not been an easy task. Usagi had actually resorted to putting names in a hat and drawing out Ami's name. And so Ami was the last woman to emerge before the doors reopened revealing Guardian Cosmos and Galaxia in orange gowns similar to the bridesmaids. They each had an arm locked around Usagi's elbow so she could carry her bouquet.
What a vision Usagi was. By now she had learned to control the appearance of her wings so they were not visible now. Her gown was a white princess cut with golden embroidery in the pattern of stars on the bodice. Her sleeves were similar to Kakyuu-hime's but were white with gold trim. The golden pearl necklace Galaxia had placed around her neck had a star pendant resting at the perfect distance between her breasts and neck. She also wore golden earrings that dangled with star charms as well. Draped in her elegant bouquet were more golden pearls and star charms. Seiya was taken aback by the vision approaching him.
"Who presents this woman to be wed today," Helios asked.
"We do," Cosmos and Galaxia said in unison. Wide smiles graced their faces. Galaxia passed the bouquet to Ami while Cosmos placed Usagi's hands into Seiya's grasp.
Usagi was glowing with joy, quite literally. A golden glow surrounded her as a visible aura. Seiya smiled a wide and pure smile. It was not his trademark arrogant smirk, but a genuine smile of joy.
"Good friends and loyal subjects, we are gathered here in the very presence of the Great Guardian Cosmos to join this man, Kou Seiya, and this woman, Tsukino Serenity," Helios said using her new formal name, "in the bonds of holy matrimony. If there are any here who have due cause that this union not take place, speak now or forever hold your peace." He scanned the room but no one was objecting. "Seiya, please repeat after me. I Kou Seiya take Tsukino Serenity to be my wife."
Smiling with glee Seiya said the words without faltering.
"I promise to stand by her side in perfect love and perfect trust," Helios said.
"I promise to stand by her in perfect love and perfect trust," Seiya said as his eyes were tearing up in joy.
"Through good times and bad, in sickness and in health, my love will remain strong and true," Helios was smiling at the couple.
"Through good times and bad, in sickness and in health my love for you will always remain strong and true," Seiya said squeezing Usagi's hands slightly.
Helios then turned to Usagi and had her say the same vows to Seiya.
"And now it is time for the rings," Helios requested.
Ami and Taiki brought forth the rings which Seiya and Usagi placed on one another's fingers gingerly. Once the rings had been exchanged Helios brought forth a long white satin cord and gently wrapped Usagi's right hand to Seiya's left hand. Raising the couple's bound hands Helios proudly said, "In the name of our Great Guardian Cosmos, I now pronounce you man and wife, Duke and Duchess of Shori. You may kiss the bride."
"You don't need to ask me twice," Seiya said as he knelt down to bring his lips to Usagi's.
The proclamation and kiss were met with thunderous applause. Usagi and Seiya stood fast as the guests filed past them each tying a knot in the cord that bound them. Each knot was a wish of happiness for the newlywed couple. Seiya and Usagi couldn't be happier, but now they were beginning to feel a bit nervous. They were to be paraded by carriage from the temple to the royal palace down the main road between them. Usagi was not used to this kind of attention and Seiya was not used to it outside the company of his siblings.
The ribbon was gently removed by Helios to prevent the knots from loosening. It was to be placed under their mattress until their first anniversary to promote good wishes and fertility. The whole kingdom wished for the couple to have a baby, preferably a girl. Kakyuu-hime may be immortal now, but she may wish to one day abdicate the throne. She had made the announcement formally that if she did not have an heiress of her own, the child of the leader of her senshi, Kou Seiya would be proclaimed heiress to the kingdom.
Kakyuu-hime, Guardian Cosmos, Galaxia, and Helios were in the first carriage, followed by one carrying Ami, Makoto, Minako, Rei, Setsuna, Michiru, and Yaten. The next carriage in line held Taiki, Motoki, Kunzite, Zoicite, Nephrite, Jaedite, and Haruka. In the last carriage, decorated with more golden pearls and fire lilies carried the newlywed couple.
As the procession passed over the road the side street walkways and buildings were overflowing with people hoping to catch a glimpse of the newlywed couple. Many were surprised to see cosmos and bowed as her carriage passed. Many threw flowers to the couple as they passed by. Usagi followed Seiya's lead and smiled while she waved to the crowd. A group of children wearing costumes designed to look like fire lilies danced beside the carriage as they twirled ribbons about to the rhythm of a lively tune played by a marching band behind them.
When they arrived at the steps of the palace Helios once again announced the union and was met with cheers and more flowers thrown to them. Helios took the honor of helping Usagi and Seiya out of their carriage and the two bowed their heads to the crowd and continued to smile and wave when they stood upright once more.
Now came the moment that Usagi had been dreading. It was expected that she, as the head of the household of Shori address the people with a speech. "Good friends of Kinmoku." She was met with cheers and applause. "I am proud to be honored and welcomed by you all. I unite Earth and it's solar system with Kinmoku on this joyous day through the love I have for my husband." Usagi paused to catch her breath. "I hope I can bring you as much joy as you have given me. I thank you all for your warm welcome and for joining us here today. I know that together we can spark a friendship that will unite the entire Milky Way if we all work together. I will remain your humble servant. I am most pleased to be a part of your kingdom." Usagi bowed once more and waved to the crowd before joining arms with Seiya once more as they turned to ascend the stairs into the palace doors, her train flowing behind her. The crowd continued to cheer and it seemed as though it would never end.
Inside the palace, Kakyuu-hime's newest senshi, Sailor Star Blade, Sailor Star Fury, and Sailor Star Tranquility guided the couple to the banquet hall. The trio looked nervous about attending their first real royal function. Usagi let go of Seiya's arm and stepped towards the women. "I'd really like it if you had some fun tonight. Save me a dance…Each of you…Promise me."
The women looked at each other nervously but finally relief overcame them. Tranquility came forward. "I will dance with you, Your Grace."
"As will I," Fury said.
Blade bowed low and said, "As you wish, Your Grace."
'Wow, they really are formal here,' Usagi thought. 'At least they've agreed to a little bit of fun. Maybe they'll even tell me their real names.' Usagi turned back to Seiya who was smiling his devilish smirk at her. The couple locked arms and once more were formally introduced, this time by Guardian Cosmos Herself.
The festivities were very similar to those of Earth. A great banquet was served. Though most of the food was unfamiliar to Usagi, she had no problem digging in right along with Seiya. Several toasts were made to the couple in honor of their union. Usagi was followed by her bridesmaids to a nearby room to bustle her train so that she could dance.
Haruka and Michiru played a beautiful duet they had written just for Usagi and Seiya for the first dance. Thankfully the Kinmoku version of the piano, the agote, was almost identical to the ones of Earth. Seiya and Usagi took to the floor and danced as though they were the only people in the room. Someone tapped their glass and Seiya dipped Usagi low and kissed her tenderly. The move was met with a round of applause.
The new senshi kept their word and danced with Usagi, but they had not loosened up enough to talk to her much, nor did they mention their names.
Usagi had insisted on the bouquet and garter tosses. It seemed strange to the people of Kinmoku, but she was the bride after all. After explaining the significance of the activities, the people understood. Then, as is the case with most weddings, the single women crowded together to vie for the coveted bouquet. Usagi turned to face away from the crowd and as the bouquet flew over several head, it came to rest in none other than Mizuno Ami's hands.
Not wanting to be outdone, Taiki vowed to catch the garter. Seiya took his time removing the garter with his teeth much to Usagi's embarsament. He too turned away from the crowd of men who had assembled behind him. The whole time he was turning he twirled the garter in his fingertip. Shooting a cocky grin back at the men before turning away the last time, Seiya finally threw the garter. Taiki, in an actual physical sports type manner dove for and caught the garter.
When all was said and done, Usagi and Seiya moved to the grand balcony where a giant swan-like bird awaited them. It was loaded with saddlebags and held a seat for two on it's back. It's red feathers were orange tipped and it's beak was a swirl of orange and yellow. The couple walked to the edge of the balcony to wave goodbye to the people both in the banquet hall and in the streets below. It seemed there was a celebration going on in their honor in the streets as well. Usagi and Seiya climbed up onto the bird's back and strapped into their safety belts. The bird took off smoothly as it led them to their honeymoon destination. Seiya had chosen a private island retreat called Paraisu Aikoka Mattaku.
The future looked promising. Usagi and Seiya were wed. They would honeymoon for a month and be home in time for the baby showers for both Setsuna and Michiru. Yes, things were finally looking perfect. As they flew into the sunset Seiya opened a bottle of champagne and he and Usagi toasted one another since the bird knew the way and did not need to be steered in any way. Usagi leaned into her husband and smiled at his protective warmth. She heard his contented sigh and knew he felt exactly as she did at that very moment.
Below the bird on the seashore a man stood watching the couple. He smiled up recognizing them and thought to himself, 'I'm very happy for you Usako…So very happy…I only regret I could not be there with you.' Observing the direction from where the bird came, the lone man with the raven hair began to walk towards where the bird had most likely come. "I want to see you, my love…My beautiful Setsuna."
(Ok, I know that is totally evil of me, but I had to! I already know how and why he's there but you'll have to wait to find out. I'll watch Kiba as fast as possible so I can get the sequel going for you. I promise! ^_^ In the meantime, I hope you enjoyed the epilogue. For any who wondered, the Wiccan traditions were the hand binding, knot tying, placing the knotted cord under the mattress for a year, and in unions such as weddings, or hand bindings as we call them, or the joining of a coven, kind of like a religious congregation, you enter with perfect love and perfect trust. I hope nobody was offended at the combination of traditions, but I thought they would make a great show of varying traditions between the planets. ^_^ Until next time, thank you all for your support!)