This chapter is dedicated to Jupiter Lover, who is the inspiration for the wedding epilogue, as well as my motivator to keep on going. Thank you! I love writing fan fiction. Interacting with others here has overall been a real pleasure and great moral booster. Keep up the good work, minna-chan.

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Chibi-Usa held her breath and tugged on the white laced knee socks to pull them up enough. She slipped her little feet into the patent leather pink shoes and stood up proudly to face the mirror. Those were her favorite pair of shoes because they made a wonderful clicking sound on hard surfaces that sounded like tap dancing.

She spun around a few times to let out the swishing layers of soft pink skirts twirl out around her waist. Giggling, she raised her arms and pretended that she was a fairy.

"Chibi-Usa!" called the voice of her mother. "We're going to be late!"

Usagi walked into the room holding bobby pins and a wreath made of small pink rosebuds and white ribbons. She stopped in her tracks to look at the child. Usually known as "the pink haired brat", this little girl seemed to have transformed into a startlingly angelic being. In her elegant pink gown with the wide bow in the back and adorned with ribbons and lace, a twinkle in her amber eyes, and dimples on her beaming face, Chibi-Usa really did look like an angel.

"Why, you look just adorable!" Usagi said with surprise and a fold of her arms. Was this little cherry blossom really the annoying kid that drove her to madness most of the time?

Chibi-Usa's upturned mouth suddenly became a child's pout as she stuck out her lower lip and lowered her head. "I don't want to be adorable," she argued in a whiny tone. "I want to be beautiful, like you!"

Usagi let out a laugh and began to fasten the wreath into Chibi-Usa's hair right between her peppermint pink pigtails. That comment certainly DID sound like Chibi-Usa. "All right, you are so cute that it makes you beautiful all of the time," she smiled.

Mamoru smoothed out a wrinkle in the jacket and glanced in the mirror. The dashing romantic hero known as Tuxedo Kamen was still seen in the strikingly sharp looking black tuxedo that he wore. Never mind the cape, hat, and gloves at this time. They were not need for this event. Today was not a day for fighting evil, but rejoicing good.

"Mamo-chan!" came the cheery sing-song voice of Chibi-Usa. She ran into his arms and was swept up in a big bear hug as he whirled around with her. "Ha! Ha! Ha!" she laughed with delight as he spun her around. "You look like the picture perfect princess," he declared with pleasure. Noticing Usagi walk in, he suddenly put Chibi-Usa down carefully and cleared his throat. "You look just like your mother as well," he said tactfully, nodding at Usagi.

A final glance at the clock brought about the realization that they had to get to the temple. Mamoru extended his elbow to Usagi and gave her a quirky smile, his ocean blue eyes twinkling with mischief. The bubbling blonde gave a giggle and slipped her arm around his. With Chibi-Usa's other hand in his, Mamoru escorted the two girls out of the apartment.

# # # # # # # # #

Originally it was intended to be a Western styled wedding, though the thought of cold clear glass and frigid marble pillars was not the suited taste of the bride or groom. Rather, they had suited to have the ceremony at the temple where Genkai lived with their closest friends and family attending. Small but elegant, the temple had been adorned with no artificial decorations at all. But bouquets of flowers were bursting all over the place, thanks to the painstakingly well created plants of Kurama. He had spent several nights planting the seeds, smoothing the soil, and singing the songs of the Makai that enchanted the plants to grow to their best abilities.

The sweet smell of honeysuckle hung in the air while soft purple lilacs mingled with tiny green leaves between the beams of the temple. Daffodils bloomed like yellow drops of gold along the stone path where the guests walked. For every few yards of white lace around the railing sprang another wreath of orange tiger lilies or large cream colored peonies. Even the trees were doing their share in gently shaking down cherry blossoms that spiraled slowly to the ground like drops of pink rain. The temple was nestled safely in the heart of a pine green forest with the scent of spring trees and the gentle sound of a river flowing encompassing the harmonious place. The whistling and swaying of bamboo trees accompanied the gentle wind to appropriate music for the day.

Shiori lifted a corner of the black tuxedo and pinned a red rose to the lapel. She took a step back to look at her son. Under the wide brim of her large white hat, her soft dark eyes rippled with the shimmering drops of water that clung to her eyelashes. Her treasured child, her dedicated boy was now becoming a man with a life of his own. "Suichi, I wish you all the best," she said, unable to keep the tears from running down her face.

Unable to withstand the chocking pain in his throat, Kurama's arms encircled the slim woman and embraced her. "I hoped I would never make you cry," he said softly. He could feel his heart beating in a slow aching rhythm that sung the song of overwhelming gratitude and loving-kindness. This human female was the source of his life, his second chance, his start again to repent his ways. Yoko Kurama, the traitor and thief, had turned his gold and silver into the red and green roses of protection and loyalty. It was all because of her love for the little green eyed boy that had made Kurama what he was now. He closed his eyes just as he heard a muffled sob and gently stroked the back of her head. The mother finally released her son and wiped her teary eyes with a lace handkerchief.

"No, Suichi, you have never done anything to make me unhappy," Shiori said, her slim hand brushing bangs out of his eyes. Her hand lay on his face, her eyes shining like stars at him. "Sometimes the greatest joys in life are when we reach a point of doing enough for the present, and must move into the future. There must room for the new life ahead." Gathering a bouquet in her hands, she stood on her toes and kissed her son on the forehead. "Live and be happy, Suichi," she prayed. "Live and be happy."

In another room of the temple. . .

"I think the saying goes, 'something old, something new. Something borrowed, something blue'", Rei suggested. Makoto turned around to check her reflection in the mirror. Indeed, the wide satin white bow in the back was tied just fine and none of the pearls sewn on had gotten loose or fallen off. "Any loose threads?" she asked Ami. The blue haired girl shook her head and took a pin out of her mouth. Her nimble fingers let down the rich masses of white silk before she stood up and gently wiped her hands.

"Yes, just fine. What was that traditional rhyme you were saying?" Ami asked.

"Something old," Makoto said, touching one of her earlobes. The ever faithful rose earrings were still there but in occasion for the wedding, had undergone a transformation. Kurama had taken the earrings to a jeweler and had them made into dangling earrings with teardrops pearls adorning the roses, making Makoto's everyday jewelry even more tasteful and elegant for the day.

"Something new," Minako went on, taking a package out of a shoe box and unwrapping satin white pumps from layers of tissue paper.

"Something borrowed," Usagi exclaimed as she pressed a small start shaped music box into the bride's hands. "But, it's yours, Usagi-chan," Makoto protested, extending the box back to her friend. Usagi shook her head and closed Makoto's hand back over the gold music box. "Keep it for now, just for luck," she said softly.

"Something blue," Ami finished as she stepped forward. Wrapping a blue ribbon around the lush bouquet of cream white roses, she handed it to the blushing bride.

"Well? How do I look?" Makoto asked, turning around and facing her friends. All four of them were left with no words for the beautiful woman that stood in front of them. The mirrors behind Makoto showed enough of what was to see: image after image of rippling white satin and silk of the many skirts of her pure white wedding gown that was sprinkled with tiny white sequins like bits of snow. The sleeves were also puffy and decorated with a tiny white lace pattern that tickled her arms with its soft airy texture. Her brown hair had been pulled back into an elegant bun and adorned with small pearls. A necklace of pale pink pearls adorned her throat and the twinkling rosy rays of her earrings sparkled in the day's light.

"Today, you are the princess," declared Usagi, stepping forward. Now she fastened Makoto's appropriate attire into her hair: a wreath of tiny pink rosebuds and pearl clusters twirled around with pink and white ribbon. She lowered the white lace veil down to Makoto's face, yet even though the gauzy curtain, Usagi could see her friend's eyes grow pink and watery.

"Don't cry, Mako-chan!" Minako almost wailed hysterically. "It's your day to be happy!"

"I know, Mina-chan, I know," Makoto said, unable to stop a hiccup and putting a gloved hand to her mouth. "But it's because of all of you . . . that I AM happy today!"

# # # # # # # #

"Watcha doing?" Chibi-Usa piped up.

Hiei nearly jumped ten feet into the air as he heard the small child talking right over his shoulder-and he had just been spying on the bride and her friends through a peeping crack in the door. He suddenly slammed the door so hard and so fast that his index finger got stuck in the crack and he had to yank it out. He whirled around and shoved his throbbing finger into his mouth, biting back the desire to start cursing every foul word known in the Makai.

Chibi-Usa giggled and rocked back and forth on her heels. "You're funny," she declared, spinning around again. "Are you Kurama's friend?"

"Hn, I suppose so," he muttered, still glancing at his injured finger. "The kitsune asked me to be his, 'best man', whatever that means, so I suppose I'll be needed."

Chibi-Usa's shrill girly laugh rang out again, sending small annoying ringing bells in his ears. "That's a great honor to you, Hiei-chan!" she beamed. "It means it's your job to safeguard the groom, because he's your best friend." Now it was the fire youkai's turn to gag. Hiei-chan? Where had that come from?

Rei suddenly stuck her head out and noticed the two of them. The annoyed and shocked look on Hiei's face gave her an idea. "Chibi-Usa, why don't you go watch the cake?" she asked. "You know Makoto worked all night to bake it and I don't want any flies to get on it."

The mention of sweets made Chibi-Usa's eyes sparkle in delight and she speed off, her shoes click-clacking down the hallway. Hiei glared at Rei, who was beginning to giggle softly. "Your sister is looking for you. . . .Hiei-chan," she added, shutting the door before bursting into laughter.

Hiei was ready to explode but fortunately, Yukina had just found him. Somehow the mere presence of his ice apparition sibling was sufficient to "cool down" his short tempter. "Oh Nissan, what happened?" she asked, noticing his finger that had gotten rather red and swollen. "It's nothing, just a little bump," he muttered.

Yukina gently clasped her brother's hands in hers and let her spiritual energy flow into his hand, emulating a soft blue glow for a moment. When it stopped, his hand was restored to its usual color and feeling. "Arigatou, Yukina-chan," he breathed in relief. Hiei managed to release a satisfied grin as he looked at his sister. She looked pretty in pink, while he was in navy and dark purple that enhanced his sharp dark features.

Both Koorine twins were in Makai attire for the wedding. Yukina's traditional blue kimono was replaced with a pink and white one with a rich brocade pattern of flowers imprinted on it. A bow of gold silk encircled her slim waist and was tied in the back and pinned white pearls. Her soft sea green hair was adorned with a wreath of cherry blossoms, so becoming against her red rosy cheeks. Around her neck was a slim silver chain studded with one single but flawless white hiruseki stone.

Her brother looked very dignified and impressive in his amethyst dyed tunic and dark blue pants. A dark blue sash of silk belted his tunic and was tied on the side where he usually kept his katana. But today, the necessary weapons would not be needed. The imprint of a silver dragon on the back of Hiei's tunic was every bit as suitable and tasteful as his own silver chain that studded a sapphire blue hiruseki stone.

Hiei noticed Kurama coming towards him and stepped forth. "You are serious about this," he said slowly, dark ruby eyes glimmering carefully. "No turning back once you decide to. . ." he didn't want to say "mate" in front of the groom. "To . . . live your life with this human girl."

Kurama could barely keep out a mischief smile. "You seem so concerned for my welfare, I wonder if you are upset at all for this occasion to occur," he said.

"Hn," his friend muttered, thrusting his hands into his pockets. "You've always been a strategist. Planning out futuristic moves has always been your style. But this time, there's no turning back," Hiei said, looking up at his friend. "Are you sure this is what you want?"

He expected, and prayed, that he was right. Kurama smiled and nodded with contentment to his life long friend.

"I love her, Hiei-kun. Makoto is my destined soul mate and I would give anything in the world to spend my life and share my future with her," Kurama declared. "I only wish to do everything possible for this princess who deserves the very best in life, be it from me or anyone else." Hiei knew once his friend had that tone of voice and that light coming from his jade eyes, that he was positive about his choice.

He sighed, but not out of unhappiness. Hiei straightened up and threw his shoulders back. "Then I have nothing left to say except that you live well and prosper with blessings," he declared.

"Like the Hibina mountains and Makai rivers, may your marriage be strong and safe. Like the cedar trees and Ningenkai forests, may your love grow and prosper. And like the eternal seal of the Reikai, may you both be sealed for peace and happiness." He finished the traditional blessing with a deep bow of the greatest uttermost respect, which Kurama returned at once.

"Kurama-san, we have a gift for you and your bride," Yukina said shyly, withdrawing a package from behind her back. Kurama unwrapped the gift carefully while Yukina stood next to her brother in eager anticipation. It was a tiny bonsai tree made of the finest jewels and metals that Kurama had ever seen in his life. Its trunk was created from gold strands in the depths of the Makai mines that twisted together in perfect intricate branches while the base was a sparkling rock of bright green. He noticed that the tree's "fruit" were really clusters of tiny hiruseki stones of every color in the rainbow, all glistening in the days' golden light.

"Hiei, Yukina. . ." he cupped the base of the creation carefully and looked at the Koorine brother and sister. "Arigatou," he said, his voice trembling with overwhelming appreciation. "It is beautiful. . . .arigatou."

"!" bellowed a voice down the hallway. Hiei groaned, Kurama smiled, and Yukina's jewel red eyes widened in delight as Kazuma Kuwabara ran towards them, a large grin spread across his face and his white teeth shining out of his cheerful smile.

Noticing the person of occasion was the reason he was there, Kazuma came to a skidding halt in front of Kurama. "Kurama, congratulations on your wedding," he declared as he thrust himself forward in a bow. "Arigatou, Kuwabara-kun, and thank you for coming," Kurama said, noticing the twitching look in Hiei's eyes as he looked at Kuwabara.

"If you so much as love Makoto as half as much as I love Yukina," he said, putting a hand over his own heart. "Then I think you will both be very, very, VERY happy!"

"Kazuma, that's so sweet of you," Yukina said, coming towards him. She stood on her tiptoes and carefully adjusted the bow of his tuxedo which had gotten slightly lopsided in his run. Kuwabara's face turned slightly red, but he continued to grin. "Yukina, you forgot your gloves," he said, waving a pair of white ladies gloves and a fan.

"Don't burst a vessel yet," came a cocky masculine voice behind Hiei. He managed to unclench his teeth and glance at Yusuke. The black haired boy looked smart and dashing as ever in his own black tuxedo and red rose in the lapel. "You look good in those clothes-wish I had some, but ya know what the stores are like today," he said, trying to divert Hiei's attention from Kuwabara's who's attention was on the love of his life.

"Yusuke, you look dashing anyway," smiled Keiko who was linked arm and arm with him. A sparkling diamond ring adorned one of her fingers on her left hand and only her shining brown eyes were twinkling just as much. He winked at her and kissed Keiko on the cheek, making her blush and giggle.

"Oh minna-chan, you ALL look so splendidl!" sang Botan's cheery voice. The temple doors parted revealing the not-so-grim-looking Grim Reaper and the Reikai Prince. Botan and Koenma made a dashing looking couple in matching men and ladies tailored cream colored suits. Botan's dangling pearl earrings bobbed up and down from her earlobes as she whipped around and adjusted Koenma's tie and pinned a pink rose in his own lapel. A similar shade of pink crept into his face and ears as he heard Yusuke snickering behind him.

"Ahem! I hope all is well so far," he said, coming forth. His stiff look vanished as he nodded towards the red headed groom. "Kurama, many happy blessings to you," Koenma added. "Yes. Kurama-san! You look just wonderful," Botan declared, beaming from ear to ear. "But not half as wonderful as you," she suddenly whispered in Koenma's ear. The others couldn't help but notice Koenma whisper something back to Botan and her earrings danced again with another round of giggles.

"Gomen sai for disturbing you," Ami said as she pushed back the sliding door and faced them. "But the ceremony is about to begin."

"Oh! Oh! I brought a camera!" Botan said, thrusting her hand into her pocket book and pulling out the prized rectangular box. "Keiko-chan, lets sit together," she said, grabbing the girl's hand.

"Ho boy, what a day," Yusuke grinned, shaking his head as they started to head outside. "It's a strange feeling. No matter how hectic life is going to get ahead, when you find the right person, she's always on your mind- from heaven to hell and back," he said as he was walking with Kurama slowly towards the door.

Kurama continued to look ahead and said nothing. Yusuke noticed the lines on his face were brining out a certain new level of depth and maturity, even more that Yusuke had seen before. He wasn't smiling anymore, but kept his eyes on the distance.

"Hey, Kurama-kun," Yusuke said in a low voice. "Are you all right? You don't look happy." Kurama faced him, green eyes flashing in surprise. "Nani? On my wedding day?"

"I don't know, you just looked so. . .serious for a minute. I was worried," Yusuke said in a slightly edgy voice. To his relief, Kurama's serene smile was restored and he waved a hand. "You're right, I do feel somewhat serious. Weddings are indeed, joyous occasions to make festivities. But as Hiei said, there is no turning back. Your life changes from here on; the river flows in a different direction."

"It doesn't mean that it's a bad change," Yusuke argued back. They had reached the trees where guests began to take their places in seats. Chibi- Usa was starring fiercely hard at the giant creamy cake covered with a thick layer of while swirling frosting and studded with numerous candy flowers and pink sugar. She had such a determined look on her face, she looked like she was trying to do telepathy with the massive confectionary masterpiece.

"Chibi-Usa?" Botan asked her. She knelt down to the little girl and handed her a basket of flowers. "Can I take your picture before you begin?" Chibi- Usa beamed as Botan brought the camera to her face and snapped a shot. She curtsied and run up the back to get ready.

"No, Yusuke, it's not bad at all," Kurama said with satisfaction. "Many changes in our lives are for the better. I believe working with the Reikai Taneti was one of those changes as well."

"Well, don't thank me for it," Yusuke said, brushing off the compliment. "No, I really do mean it," Kurama insisted. Yusuke raised an eyebrow, but nodded and accepted Kurama's handshake.

"It is time," he said to the groom.

A soft melody drifted through the air and danced with the mingling pink petals causing everyone to ooooh and ahhhh. Botan pressed a handkerchief to her face and tried not to blow too hard. "Gomen sai, Koenma-san," she gasped to her lover. "But it's just so amazing, I just love weddings!"

"Botan, they haven't even started yet!" he said.

Botan sweatdropped.

Chibi-Usa felt the butterflies in her stomach as she watched Usagi grin at her. The blonde haired Princess Serenity linked arms with Prince Endymion and the two of them slowly walked down the stone steps. Ami, Rei, and Minako all followed looking like elegant colorful flowers in matching bridesmaids gowns in their trademark colors: blue, red, and yellow.

For the sake of his sister, Hiei consented to let her walk down with Kuwabara who was beaming and puffing out his chest so much with pride, the buttons were close to bursting as he walked down with Yukina's arm around his elbow. Hiei followed after them in slow calm steps, his dark eyes scanning the crowd carefully. No intruders had attacked the festivity so far-his job was going to be somewhat boring. At least the cake looked rather decadent and appealing. . . .

Chibi-Usa took a deep breath and stepped forward. She was suddenly aware of everyone starring at her and felt an impulse to run back into the temple. But Makoto was there, and she wasn't going to give up. She bravely took a step forward and took out some petals. Taking another step, Chibi- Usa strewed her flower petals right and left while everyone cooed and gasped at her. She gulped and tried to get over the butterflies while a shaking smile was on her face. A cheerful wink from Botan's light purple eyes made the corners of her mouth turn up and kept her head high. Grateful once she made it to the wedding canopy, Chibi-Usa ran into Mamoru's arms and let out a deep breathe.

Finally, the doors of the temple parted and the music stopped. Heads turned and Kurama looked up. His breathe was suddenly taken away while the trees began a strange enchanting rustling sound through the wind.

Makoto slowly descended down the steps like an angel from heaven, her white gown glowing like the pearly rays of the moon. Her half lowered deep green eyes shinned like emeralds under the gauzy veil, her hands delicately holding her flowers. Her slender rosy lips were half parted as she slowly said a prayer.

It was a bittersweet moment all the same, because everyone felt the sudden twinge of pain realizing that Makoto had no father to walk her down the isle. Koenma closed his eyes and felt for sure that her parents were looking down from heaven and giving their blessings to their daughter at this moment. He felt the white clouds of the day release an extra beam of golden sunlight down onto her to watch and protect the bride.

Shinozaki, Makoto's childhood friend and dedicated schoolmate, was the chosen one to walk her down the isle at her wedding. From rainy day blues to long homework nights and the heartbreak over false loves, Shino-san was the one always there for Makoto. No, he didn't love her like a husband, but he did love her like a brother. Strong and true, he was the one that took care of her. The brown haired boy was honored and delighted that she had found the safeness and security of this Suichi Minamino who he prayed, would take good care of his classmate. That was all Shinozaki needed for Makoto, and he, like others that day, had the prayers answered.

Makoto came closer to Kurama, her gown slowly swaying in the breeze. She lifted her eyelids and through the shimmering teardrops, a gentle budding smile spread across her face. They looked at each other face to face, the endless steps of emerald and jade gazing at each other with great adoration and hope, for after a thousand years, they were together again. Hand and hand, heart in heart, they stepped forward.

The elderly lady known as Genkai spoke, but not with the usual gruff tone she used for criticism. Her voice was low, calm, and wise as she announced the alliance of these two. But she, like many others, knew that this was not just the marriage of Suichi Minamino to Makoto Kino, but the binding of souls between Yoko Kurama and Princess Jupiter. Aside from the regular oaths taken, they vowed in the names of the three worlds to be soul mates to each other, "even after death does come, the Reikai preserve you and your memory," Kurama and Makoto said to each other.

Finally, he lifted the veil from her face revealing her twinkling gaze. He leaned forth and kissed his bride. She wrapped her arms around him and let out a peal of laughter as Makoto was suddenly swept off her feet and in Kurama's arms. Everyone burst into thundering applause and cheered. Botan sobbed, Usagi laughed, Chibi-Usa squealed, Hiei gave his "hn" sound of satisfaction, and Yusuke grinned with a relieved look at Keiko.

"Do you take me now as you do for ever and ever?" Makoto smiled at her husband.

"I do," he said. "Ai shiteru, my princess.. Ai shiteru forever fornever."

-

"Those that shall plant tears shall reap in joy."

-Psalms 126:5