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Chapter 10: Bonded Souls

Anri and Tsukiko were speechless by the revelation. Before them stood, Ritsu, Masamune, Yuu, An-chan, and Kei. The sages did not expect this outcome, but their heart reached out to the family. They understood the reactions family and friends would have given Yuu and An-chan if their relationship came to light. Anri and Tsukiko looked at one another. Something in their hearts told them that a change or destruction will befall Heaven, Hell and Adioria in the future. Two groups of soul mates from opposite race served as a strong sign.

Tsukiko offered a gentle smile. "Kohinata-san, Yanase-san, we will keep your secret safe. We understand your circumstances. You had no choice but to run to Earth, especially if you had a son."

A flash of relief washed over the two soul mates. They had not expected the sages to be very accepting, despite Masamune and Ritsu reassuring them that they had nothing to worry about. Yuu asked, "I mean no disrespected, but why would you keep our relationship safe?"

Anri chuckled. "Look at us. Our wings represent who we are now. We could never discriminate a half-angel and half-devil breed, for we are ones ourselves. We believe in equality. As sages, we believe that angels and devils need to unite together, not simply reside in peaceful tension." Yuu nodded in understanding. The male sage turned towards the princes. "You have done a good job. Thank you for all your hard work. We ask for your forgiveness for all the pain Tsukiko and I have caused you."

"Anri-sama, Tsukiko-sama! You done nothing of that sort! You only asked of us a simple request." Ritsu did not understand why the sages were apologizing to them.

Tsukiko answered in a saddened tone. "We know we have placed you two under uncomfortable circumstances. We do know…."

Masamune understood that subtle hint. He tightened his hand into a fist, not out of anger at the sages, but to force himself to smile. "Tsukiko-sama, Anri-sama, you do not need to apologize, there was no way to avoid it. You chose us for a reason and did not mean to cause us pain." He looked away. "In fact, we should be thanking you. The time you granted us on Earth has been memorable, but we have to return to our lives."

The sages could not bear to see the sadness in the princes' eyes. Sadness and pain emanated from the ravenette and brunette because they knew it was time to leave behind the ephemeral happiness they had together on Earth.

Tsukiko said softly, "Before you go, would you two mind staying around longer? Anri and I have something we would like to do for you, but after we take care of Kohinata-san and Yanase-san's situation first."

Ritsu and Masamune nodded their heads slowly because they were interested in what the sages wanted to do for them.

Anri smiled and faced towards the lower angel and devil and their child. "We give you permission to remain on Earth and keep Kei there, but you must give periodic reports regarding your son's growth. We would like to make sure his powers are kept under control; therefore, we advise to begin training him. He is a rare child, so we are unsure of his capacities."

An-chan and Yuu nodded in understanding. A glow of happiness came from the family. Ritsu and Masamune felt pangs of jealousy, knowing they would never be able to have one themselves.

Tsukiko continued, "Also, would you like to solidify your bond as soul mates?"

The lower angel and devil's eyes widened. An-chan asked, "You would do that for us?"

The sages nodded their heads. The female half answered, "Yes. We can perform the ceremony for you. We have a room dedicated for uniting two soul mates. If you would like, we could do that right now."

"Thank you!" The two said it with pure happiness and appreciation. They never thought they would have the chance to be fully united. Kei smiled because he could feel the bliss radiating from his parents.

"Prince Ritsu, Prince Masamune, please wait here while we perform the ceremony." A soul ceremony normally occurred in a special place dedicated to uniting soul mates. Special priests were trained to perfectly perform the ceremony. During the ceremony, only the two soul mates and the priest resided in the room.

"Wait! Can Ricchan and Prince Masamune watch?" An-chan wanted her beloved childhood friend to witness this, especially after he had done for her. Yuu made no move to disagree, but seemed to desire for them to come as well.
Ritsu and Masamune were surprised, but did not refuse. Anri and Tsukiko looked at one another. The male sage said, "Uhh… there are no rules that others cannot witness. It should be alright for them to come and watch the ceremony occur."

An-chan walked over to the Prince of Heaven and clasped his hands into hers. "Ricchan, thank you for allowing this opportunity for me and Yuu to become bonded soul mates. Without you and Prince Masamune, we would not be able to do so. And I know I can trust you with everything, especially now that you know about Kei."

The male angel smiled, "Of course An-chan. I love you; I would never want you to be sad." The two childhood friends hugged.

"Can I ask you something Ricchan?"

The brunette nodded. The female angel whispered, "That day… when you fell of the balcony and went a short coma, was it because of Prince Masamune?"

A heartbreaking expression filled prince's face. "Yes… I-I…"

"Shhh…" An-chan did not want for Ritsu to cry. "Thank you for telling me. I will always be there for you…"

A sad smile graced his lips. "Thank you An-chan…"

A couple feet away, Yuu and Masamune were having a short conversation.

The lower devil said, "Thanks Masamune… You really helped me here."

"No problem. I'm glad you and your soul mate have the chance to unite. You're very lucky." Unlike me… Those words went unsaid, but were heavily implied.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure…"

"Every year, after the Day of Asteri, you always act very reserve and spacey." Yuu lowered his voice. "Is it because of Prince Ritsu?"

The Prince of Hell sighed. "Yea…I don't know even know what I'm supposed to do…"

Yuu said softly and unusually out of character, "I believe that one day, you and him will be together. You are soul mates for a reason. You are meant to be and you simply have to believe that."

"You know it is not as simple as that… We are princes. It would disgrace our families by being bonded… We can't have that happen. It's different for us…"

"Don't doubt the power of a soul bond." Yuu wished that Masamune and Ritsu would find happiness in one another one day, just as they have granted him and An-chan.

"Shall we go?" Anri called out to the angels and devils. He and Tsukiko were talking to Kei and giving him more information about his heritage. He was obviously very fascinated by the facts and history of his people.

The angels and devils nodded and followed the sages to the soul-bonding room.

Tsukiko pointed to the center of the room where a large insignia engraved with symbols and ancient words was. She directed An-chan and Yuu to stand in the center of the circle. Ritsu, Masamune, and Kei stood on one side of the room, away from the area.

Anri said, "We shall begin the ceremony. Kohinata-san, Yanase-san, please face one another and hold each other's hand. Press your forehead with one another and stay in this position as we recite the words."

The two soul mates followed the instructions and stood as still as possible. The two sages stood on opposite ends of the circle and began to chant words. A spectacular array of colors began to swirl around the couple. A powerful source of wind blew around the room. A strong feeling of love emanated from the soul mates as their hearts connected. The three spectators could feel the comforting love as it warmed their hearts. Ritsu and Masamune could feel the pure happiness the couple felt as they regained their memories of their past life together. It was beautiful and touching. Pangs of sadness hit their heart because they knew this would be most they could ever feel about a united soul bond.

Slowly, the winds became lighter and the swirl of colors dimmed down. The three spectators could see the loving smile that embraced the couple's lift. Tears streamed down their cheeks due to joy. An-chan and Yuu felt truly complete now. Kei ran up to his parents, who brought him into their embrace. Contentment filled the air because everything fell perfectly and wonderfully in place for their family.

Ritsu and Masamune watched from the distance. The princes felt happy for their beloved friends, but sadness continued to wash over them. Jealousy invaded their hearts. They wanted to know why they were born into an unhappy, incompatible life. If only there were born into separate races, then perhaps they could find their happily ever after.

Anri and Tsukiko looked towards the princes and could feel and see the sorrow flowing from their souls. The male sage said, "Kohinata-san, Yanase-san, I suggest you return to your home on Earth. Normally, after uniting a soul bond, the two soul mates tend to feel the need…. to consummate their marriage."

Yuu, An-chan, and Kei blushed intensely. Kei muttered, "Looks like I needa stay at Miya's house tonight…" He shivered at the thought of hearing his parents making love to one another. Yuu said softly, "Haha… we'll be taking our leave then." The family bowed towards the sages. "Thank you for uniting our bond. We never thought we would ever have the chance. We can not thank you enough."

An-chan ran over to Ricchan and brought him into a tight hug. "Thank you Ricchan…" The brunette returned the embrace and murmured, "I'm just happy you're happy An-chan…"

Yuu also brought Masamune into an embrace. "I never thought we would be hugging, but I just have to. You don't know how happy you have made by allowing us this chance…"

The ravenette chuckled. "Don't worry about it. Just continue to take care of your soul mate."

After their parents finished hugging their friends, they switched and allowed Kei to join in.

The three left and returned to their home on Earth. Happiness surrounded the family, which they deserved after years of suffering as well. Masamune and Ritsu felt glad their friends could rely on them with this matter.

Ritsu asked, "My sages, what is it that you wanted us to stay behind for?"

The two sages glanced at one another. Tsukiko asked softly and cautiously, "Do you two want to solidify your soul bond as well?"

Emerald and honey orbs widened in shock. They did not know how to respond.

Anri continued, "We believe you two deserve a chance to unite your souls as well. You have been destined as soul mates for a reason. We understand your extremely delicate circumstances, but I believe you deserve to know about your past and the reason you two belong with one another. Whether you want to know about your past life is up to you two."

"We…" Neither was sure if they wanted to. Would they regret this choice? Will it only break their fragile hearts more? Was it worth going through the pain of knowing? The two soul mates glanced at one another. Masamune asked softly, "Do you want to know…?"

Ritsu bit his lips in uncertainty. "I…do want to know…"

The ravenette was surprised by the answer. He expected the brunette to say no. "I do too… I want to know the reason we have been born into this tragic life…" He grasped the other's hand into his. He faced the sages. "Please perform the ceremony for us. We want to know about our past…"

The two sages nodded and directed the two princes to the center. The two followed the same procedure as their friends. Gently, Masamune grasped Ritsu's other into his. He leaned forward and brought their forwards together. Both closed their eyes and connected their rapidly beating hearts. For some reason, they felt at peace together. By doing this, they would be able to confirm their hearts and find the answers of their current life in their past. Around them, they could hear the sages chanting words. Warmth descended upon them and brightness surrounded their minds.

Their minds returned to their distant past…

TO THE PAST WE GO! We are gonna be there for a while. It will be a long roller coaster ride. There is more than one story to tell in the past that will affect the present time. Be prepared! Thanks for reading! Till next time! :)

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