Soul Society.

6th sector - Kuchiki clan ceremonial shrine.

Many shinigami were gathered at both sides of the path extending between the gate of the shrine to the shrine itself. Some came rushing in their usual shihakushou, others wore their hair up and were dressed in beautiful kimonos.

Because there is no god in Soul Society, religious shrines or temples do not exist within the Seireitei. Many people revere the Soul King like a god, however he is only a King, not a god. In Rukongai, several temples have been built to enshrine the gods and buddhas that the residents had worshipped during their lifetime, and all of them are temples into which the residents had brought over their beliefs from the Human World. The Kuchiki clan have built a shrine in front of a mausoleum dedicated to the spirit of their ancestors, it is used as a venue for rituals and ceremonies. From family meetings to wedding celebrations and funerals, every possible Kuchiki clan event is held at this shrine.

"Uu…I'm feeling nervous…!"

Orihime whispered standing next to the black suited figure of Ichigo. Orihime was wearing an airy, light pink dress made from chiffon material, its prettiness coupled with the rarity of western clothing caused all the surrounding gazes to gather on her.

"Why are you nervous…?"

"I don't know anything at all about this world's customs…I was thinking, what if I do something discourteous…"

Orihime cast her eyes down feeling uneasy, Uryuu then spoke.

"I heard from Hisagi san just now, it seems that only those from very wellborn families hold ceremonies in Seireitei. Typically, people will just invite their close family and friends for a celebratory banquet after registering the marriage…so the ceremony proceedings and customs differ from family to family, this means there are no set rules."

"…Ishida, that information isn't resolving anything is it…?"

With a wry smile, Uryuu then responded to the issue Sado had pointed out.

"Well, that may be so. But what I wanted to say is that most people in attendance here also know nothing about ceremonies, so that means there's no need for Inoue san to get worried either."

"You could've just said that from the beginning you know…"

As Uryuu opened his mouth to refute what Ichigo had just mumbled, the clear sound of a bell echoed far and wide, coming from the direction of the gate. In an instant, the noisy surroundings fell silent. Standing on the other side of the gate where a silver coloured bell was hoisted up, the shrine maiden spoke with a commanding air.

"Bridegroom, proceed!"

The gate slowly opens.

Everyone steadily gazed at the person who had come into sight, it was Abarai Renji clad in Kuromontsuki-Haorihakama*(*-black- traditional formal-wear for men). At the same time as Renji stepped through those gates, the gagaku* band began their musical performance(*Classical Japanese court music).

The elderly head priest guided Renji in time with the elegantly tuned rhythm. After proceeding down the path, taking one step at a time, Renji stopped before the stairs leading up to the shrine. Prompted by the priest, he turned to face the gate. The bell rang out again.

"Head of the family, bride, proceed!"

The shrine maiden's voice resounded, Kuchiki Byakuya appeared before the open gate, dressed in a grayish-blue montsuki-haorihakama.

Byakuya held up a red umbrella in front of the palanquin that pulled up outside the gate. The bamboo blinds were lifted up, from inside, Rukia stepped down.

At her appearance, the crowd rose up in cheers with 'hurrahs'.

Her body was wrapped in a Shiromuku*(*white bridal kimono)made from a pure white material that looked as if the fabric itself was emitting light, and on her head she wore her wedding veil. The veil swayed gently, matching Rukia's movements and each time the gold of the embroidery would sparkle as it reflected the setting sun.

Rukia slips under the red umbrella that Byakuya is holding up and the two start walking side by side on the path approaching the shrine.

"…she's wearing it"

As Ichigo talked to her in a whisper, Orihime was already crying aloud, overcome with emotion.

"She's wearing it even though….I said….it's okay….if she shows it off…by wearing it later….in the ceremony! I'm ha…ppyyy…! Kurosaki kun…please…!"

She handed the SLR camera she was holding to Ichigo. It was Orihime who had purchased it especially for this day, she repeatedly took test photographs at home to make sure it was in perfect working condition to deal with today's event, however she did not expect that she would cry so much to the point where she could no longer hold up a camera.

"…I'll take the pictures for you, so at least you can cry with some peace of mind"

Ichigo looked down the viewfinder, "Th…ank…you…!" Orihime said whilst pressing a handkerchief to her eyes.

Ichigo repeatedly pushes down the camera shutter taking photographs as the figures of the two people gradually drew near. Using the zoom function, he could see well through the veil as Rukia wore a smile. Byakuya, was the same as usual with his calm demeanour.

(He should at least smile on such an occasion…)

'There's no help for that guy' Ichigo thought, smiling wryly as he operated the camera.

The two passed by in front of Ichigo and the others who were standing right in the middle alongside each other, by one side of the path approaching the shrine. Rukia looked at the sobbing Orihime and smiled at her affectionately, with a smile on her face she then turned towards Ichigo, who was pointing the lens at her. The sound of the camera shutter set off. Byakuya shot Ichigo a look as if to say 'you shouldn't bring such boorish things with you'.

The two calmly walked down the path along with the music, they finally reached Renji who was waiting in front of the shrine. Renji bows and Byakuya closes the red umbrella he was holding before handing it over to Renji.

"…I want you to be happy"

It was said in a voice that only reached Rukia.

She looked up at Byakuya. His solitary eyes were somewhat narrowed.

"Nii…sama….!"

Her eyes filled with tears. Byakuya exhaled a breath, he formed the words 'don't cry' with his mouth, placing his hand on Rukia's shoulder he gently sent her in Renji's direction. Renji held up the red umbrella and welcomed Rukia under it. From under the umbrella, Rukia bowed deeply to Byakuya.

Urged on by the head priest, the couple ascending the stairs of the shrine one step at a time.

Byakuya gazed at their backs engulfed in emotions.

The priest recited the norito-soujou, and after the couple exchanged sake cups during the san-san kudo, all the marriage rituals were completed without a hitch.

(*norito-soujou - a ritual that includes announcing the marriage at the shrine prayers/blessing the couple)

(*san-san kudo ~lit. 3-3-9 times~ - exchanging ceremonial sake cups three times with three different cups, taking three sips sips from each cup)