Keep the Happy New Year spirit on!
"Wedding"
Although the sky was clear, the moon did not shine that night. Hidden in darkness, the silhouette of the landscape was covered in shadows. All was calm, yet time continued to flow as the creatures of the night stretched and breathed life.
Kenshin, leaning against the frame of the window in his room, looked without looking at the scene behind the glass. His gaze was plagued by storms. Soon, the sun would rise, and the moment so longed for since the day of the engagement would take place. The wedding would take place at sunset, and once the bond was formed, there would be no way to break it.
The redhead again overcome with anguish...
Even if he had always known it, while the day was far away, it was easy to believe that it would not come. It wasn't that he didn't want that union. Politically and economically he required it. His wealth and assets were still insufficient, and his nation too young to survive without the support of a great house... The problem lay with his fiancée.
The counterpart of his soul.
It was clear that she was, to some extent, his equal... but she was still very young. And after meeting her, he couldn't help but feel like he was doing her an injustice. During the previous years, he had grown fond of her to the point of truly caring for her; but very far still from becoming something more.
"Himura, don't be foolish," he said to himself; the glass he was holding was already empty. "You're not even the first one with an child bride," he reproached himself.
There was a knock at the door, and the next moment, Aoshi entered, serious as always but visibly worried about his master.
Kenshin didn't even look at him.
"The elements for the bonding ceremony have been completed," his master of whispers informed him.
Silence.
"A priest from the Kamiya house will visit you at the rooster hour for the purification ritual."
Silence.
"Kenshin," Aoshi pressed.
The aforementioned sighed.
"I'm aware, Aoshi. I have already prepared myself."
The dark-haired man sharpened his gaze, analyzing his general.
"Why do you hesitate? -He questioned. -It is more than obvious to everyone that she is the counterpart of your element. Regardless of the circumstances, it is an ideal union, basically a miracle. I don't understand what you're afraid of."
Kenshin closed his eyes and stood up, separating himself from the window. When he opened his eyes again, his sharp gaze had a golden glow. Aoshi saw fit to look contrite. He bowed and left.
The redhead then, left the empty glass on the desk, ready to go and try to sleep when a small glow caught his attention. Inside the middle drawer small flashes of light came out. The young man could hear the crying that reverberated on each slat. Without having the heart to prolong that, he opened and took out from the drawer the memento that Kaoru had once given him, a gem in the shape of a pendant which contained a speck of Kaoru's own element.
"My father was right," Kenshin said to no one in particular, "I'm a fool."
After another moment of doubts, he finally managed to fall asleep clinging to that pearl. For the rest of the night, it emitted a halo of warm light that kept him from having nightmares.
Throughout the month of March, Kamiya Castle was surrounded by constant hustle and bustle. Despite everything said and discussed during the previous years, in the end, it was Megumi herself who was in charge of making sure everything was perfect and no less than perfect.
"No no. The saffron flowers go at the reception, on each of the tables set for the banquet." The young woman indicated while instructing the castle employees. "Isn't anyone paying attention!?" She complained again.
"Wow, it's certainly a nice change," said Sanosuke, arriving just at that moment in the company of other members of the Himura entourage. "For once, it's good to see you in favor of the union."
Megumi ruminated under her breath, terribly regretting having to come across such a sad male specimen.
"Just because I'm against this union doesn't mean I'm sabotaging my own sister," she said angrily, hands on her waist.
"Awe come on, you're excited just like the rest," the brunette joked, convinced of his own words.
"You are an idiot."
So it was quite a surprise when the ground at his feet moved until he fell.
"Hey! Kitsune, you didn't have to do that!" He complained.
Megumi smiled from behind her fan, which had conveniently appeared out of nowhere.
"First, learn rules of etiquette before addressing me, rooster head."
"Women," he growled under his breath, watching the brunette walk away and having to endure the mockery of his companions.
He had to give her credit, Sanosuke told himself, after all he often forgot that the young woman was an earth elemental user.
"At least Kenshin didn't see me this time," he murmured.
...
Far away and safe from unwanted ears, Megumi took a moment to once again release the sadness of having to live through that event in a deep sigh. She was also aware that Kaoru was more than willing to carry out that union for her own pleasure, which conflicted her more if she was honest. During the previous year - and with Sanosuke's constant visits to bring news of Kenshin to Kaoru - Megumi had had no choice but to recognize that this union would happen no matter what. Not to mention that she had been aware of the conflicts for the throne in the capital and, after seeing Kaoru's power grow day by day, she had recognized that the only one with the necessary power to shelter her sister's was none other than Battosai.
The latter unnerved Megumi greatly. She hated that he was nothing like the rumors were about him, just because if he had been, she might have been able to dissuade her father from that union. Another part was grateful that he wasn't a bloodthirsty man... And another part dreamed of killing him while he slept.
"It will have to be in another life" She thought to herself. "I better go prepare Kaoru. -She said to herself. -How difficult it was for them to wait for her to turn twelve! Why the hell did they have to ask for a spring wedding!?" She complained.
And she went brooding towards Kaoru's chambers.
"You look beautiful!" Shura exclaimed as she looked at Kaoru.
Without a doubt, the youngest of the Kamiyas was a heavenly vision. Her pearlescent dress had a red iridescent reflection, combining with the colors that her fiancé would wear. The skirt, in the classic princess cut, was shorter in the front and longer in the back. The sleeves of the dress were long and widened as they fell. The fabric had intricate weaves that highlighted the beauty of the garment. Kaoru's hair was loose, with a crown of jasmine flowers holding up a small veil.
"You think?" Kaoru asked with rosy cheeks.
Shura nodded as did the rest of the maidens.
"My lady is the most beautiful of all," said one of them.
"It makes me a little sad to have to say goodbye to you," Shura told her with tears coming to her eyes.
Kaoru would have cried too, but she felt too excited; her power had been dancing since the night before.
"Oh by the gods" They suddenly heard Megumi, who was at the entrance of the room; she was crying. "Just look how you've grown."
There was a silent agreement among those present, who left the room to leave the two sisters alone. As soon as the doors closed, Megumi approached Kaoru and admired her in detail, trying to remember every line and expression. Her younger sister had grown enough to be just a head shorter than her, but she was still so small in her eyes...
"If mother saw you, she would surely burst into tears," Megumi murmured.
Kaoru smiled tenderly.
"Sister, it's not quite a farewell," she told her.
The eldest nodded while shedding tears.
"I know, Kaoru. I know," she sobbed. "But although you are no longer so little, you are still far from understanding the gravity of what you are about to experience; how and to what extent your life is gonna change. I will always fear for you. And I will pray that you are well wherever you go."
"Megumi..."
Soon both young women hugged each other, sharing the same feeling.
"Have faith Kaoru. And remember, no matter what happens, this will always be your home."
With the guests ready in their places, the priest at the altar, and the groom in front, the music came to life as soon as the bride was present. Escorted by her father on the right and her sister on the left, the little girl advanced until she met her fiancé.
Kenshin received her following the ritual as indicated, pronouncing the words of nuptial claim as soon as he took his fiancée's hand in his own. Standing in front of each other the ceremony began. Following the rite, soon both of their hands were tied with the ceremonial ribbon, a tie made of divine energy coming from the goddess herself.
The groom and bride said their vows. And to the surprise of those present, the bond that united them shined until it dazzled them all. Its energy merged with the bearers, and soon, only the two hands were left holding each other.
Light Elemental and Dark Elemental were united then. Although only the elders of each clan were aware of the truth behind said union.
...
After the ceremony the celebration began.
And although Kaoru had been happy with the whole event, she couldn't help but feel a certain doubt in her partner's pulse. Kenshin, smiling and understanding, remained attentive to her throughout the evening, but it was clear that there was something that caused him concern.
Deciding to avoid any problem, the youngest of the Kamiyas, now Himura, raised a prayer to heaven.
"Please. May our path be filled with flowers."
In the sky the stars shone in silent response.
A/N: How many more chapters should I write?