A/n- Thanks to all who reviewed so far. Sorry this took obscenely long, my first year at university is coming to a close and it’s been crazy! Still. That’s no excuse..

Disclaimer: SIIIIGH

Summary: Back to the present.

Vows

The Akuto streamed in from all sides, filling the space around them, shining spectacularly like bursting sunbeams across their vision. It was brief, just a whisper of time, and then all faded away. The world before them, the park and the city around it, had vanished. Now both Ichiko and Yumemi were standing in the center of a large platform jutting out into the sky.

The land bridge, connecting the Kingdom to the pillar they stood upon, had been constructed just as soon as the worlds had joined. It was completely necessary for the humans who traveled to Heaven, as they were unable to fly like their Heavenly counterparts.

Yumemi looked around the sky that surrounded them, breathing in deeply; filling her lungs with the pure air that always smelt to her like magic. Beside her, she saw Ichiko grimace and hold her stomach.

“Ichiko… are you alright?”

“I never get motion sickness… ever.” The girl shook her head, as if to clear it, hitching her duffle bag higher on her shoulder. “Except when I come here,” She allowed a sheepish grin, “I think it’s a sign.”

Yumemi smiled a small smile as they started off in the only direction they could, over the bridge and towards Ryuely’s stone dais.

The Kingdom had been rebuilt, slowly but steadily over the years. In an act Yumemi had always thought so reflective of the King, Munto had chosen to rebuild his city first, spending most of the time after the worlds joined reconstructing his people’s homes. The influence of Earth was no small thing either. Many humans had traveled up to the war-torn land to help with the renovation; either in the Magical Kingdom, or in other countries.

The houses were still stone-hewn, the walls still rustic, but it was commonplace now for one’s neighbor’s roof to be made of concrete tile. Or for the low humm of Tokyo’s most popular radio broadcast to filter out of the some adolescent’s bedroom.

Whether one considered the transference of knowledge a good or bad thing, it was there, and it wouldn’t cease.

From just beyond the expansive cityscape the castle lay. Little had changed there, but most of the ruins caused by the Kingdom’s falling had been resurrected. Case and point: the archway under which Yumemi had seen Munto’s coronation in her dreams- once dust- had been raised again in the city’s expansive arena.

The Pool of Memory greeted them as they both stepped onto solid land. It sat resolute and still upon its platform in front of a newly reconstructed portico. It was in this way that all non-magic people entered into the Heavenly Realm; symbolic. Visitors would round the Pool, exit under the archway, and find themselves traveling down the dirt road towards town.

“Yumemi! Ichiko!” The two girls looked up; stopping in their tracks as a petite woman came bounding through the archway and up the stone steps, taking them two at a time. Suzumei ran to them, throwing her arms around them both.

“When did you get here?” Ichiko asked as the three broke apart.

“Just about an hour ago! Rui’s giving Kazuya a tour, since it’s his first time up,” she then rounded on Yumemi, voice thick with unbridled happiness. “How are you doing?”

“Fine, just fine. A little… well, nervous.” She whirled her lip against her bottom teeth. Truth be told, she was… but of what? In her honest opinion, what exactly would change? The ring around her thumb turned as she fiddled with it. She had always been his.

“He’s here, you know,” Suzumei quipped, as if reading her thoughts. “Just came back from some Summit meeting.” Yumemi flushed. “But I’ve told him to stay away, at least for the time being.” The young woman was smiling, as if she were in charge of the whole thing- which was more or less true. It was amazing how she’d grown up before their very eyes; childish in her ways, but mature outright.

Ichiko sighed heavily, taking the handle on Yumemi’s suitcase. “Come on, let’s go.”

“But-”

“Mmm! Yumemi, we have to get your bags to your room!”

The two pulled her along, Suzumei filling them in on what was happening. “Everyone knows! Everyone. And not just from this Kingdom either. Last few hours a lot of people have been showing up from all over the place.” Yumemi groaned, a hand flitting over to touch her temples.

“Well, what did you expect?” Ichiko’s eyes were raised to the sky. “You’re not just getting married, you’re getting…” Her face tensed for a moment. “It’s like you’re getting knighted or something. In fact, that’s exactly what it is. You’ll be a queen. No wonder the whole of Heaven is showing up!”

A bubble of nervous laughter spilled past the soon-to-be royal’s lips, “It’s nothing grand… just a simple ceremony. They’re going to be sorely disappointed when they realize there’s no celebration afterwards.”

Suzumei made a ‘humph’ kind of noise.

Yumemi’s smile froze. “What was that for?”

“No celebration?”

As the trio rounded the bend, upon which the road split, one branch leading down towards the town and one traveling up to the castle, Ichiko let out a snort of laughter. The land below was teeming with people, and it seemed everyone was on holiday. The noise- why hadn’t they noticed it before- was like a crowd at a sporting match. Color was plastered everywhere; from the vibrant clothing to the hanging garlands.

“Oh,” was all Yumemi could think but utter. Her knees suddenly felt very weak. Ichiko was crossing her arms, looking rather morbidly pleased.

This wasn’t what she had expected. She had thought about the possibility of it being a grand affair, but she had pushed the idea into the back of her mind. Her only consuming thoughts were of him, and being with him, not of becoming royalty. But she should have guessed… she was the Daughter of Destiny after all.

“Miss Hidaka!”

The three turned to see a pair of figures coming down the path. Suzumei perked up, hoisting a hand into the air.

“Kazuya!”

Yumemi could feel Ichiko beside her stiffen as the human and his companion slowed to a stop in front of them.

“Hey.” Kazuya raised a hand in greeting at Suzumei bounded into his arms.

Yumemi smiled, first at him and then at Rui, who had been the one to call her name. Her eyes crinkled. “I had heard you’ve been keeping busy.”

The young man shrugged, eyes darting from Yumemi over to Ichiko, and then back again. “It’s just been a little more… stressful these last couple of weeks. It was quite a transition to be speaking with Earth’s United Nations one day, and then preparing for an event such as this the next.” There was a ghost of a smile, perhaps the beginnings of one, but it was hardly noticeable.

Was it her imagination, or did he and Ichiko have the same kind of… what was it… apprehensive tone? They were too much alike, Yumemi mused; both taking the protection of their closest friend to the extreme.

“Lucky for you it’ll all be over soon, isn’t it?”

Rui glanced over at the girl who had spoken, his lips forming a thin line. “Miss Ono, how nice to see you.” It was a decidedly forced greeting.

Yumemi stepped in to avoid the already growing tension. It had always been this way between them. Like she said, they were too much alike. Ichiko’s protection of Yumemi and Rui’s stark dedication towards Munto always clashed rather badly. “Um, shouldn’t we be going?”

This seemed to snap the General out of the silent battle of wits; his courtly air resurfaced instantaneously. “Oh, of course, the two of us came escort you to your rooms.” He bowed slightly, just a dip. “Right this way.”

.o.o.o.o.

“What do you mean he’s waiting outside?!”

“Ichiko! Shh!”

“I thought this was a wedding! Isn’t there some kind of stipulation about this sort of thing?” Her hands rose into the air, the light lilac dress rising a bit from her actions.

Yumemi turned from her position by the window, upon which she had been reclining, watching the mass of people move down below. At the outburst however, she turned to see Suzumei’s hand on her friend’s arm, humor and embarrassment coalescing into a nervous smile.

Yumemi twisted her hands together, feeling utterly lost.

“Ichiko…” Suzumei’s voice was quiet, “Come on, lets go find somewhere to sit. Kazuya said we all have a place up near the front.”

Grudgingly, as if she didn’t want to leave to go anywhere, Ichiko got up, going over to Yumemi. Hands on her hips, she was eyeing the bride with a calculating stare. But her near-glare broke, and she pulled her friend into a tight hug. “You are the most foolish daydreamer I have ever met.” The tone lacked bite to it, and Ichiko was smiling. “You are wonderful, Yumemi. I’m so glad you’ve gotten everything you’ve wanted.” The girl blushed.

Suzumei swooped in with a quick squeeze of the hand and a dainty peck on the cheek before she was dragging Ichiko out the door. “We’ll try and find you after. We’ll be with your parents, alright? Don’t try and look for us, it’s going to be near impossible.”

“Okay…”

The door was pried open, and the two girls, with a final wave, slipped out into the hall.

“Oh!” Suzumei’s voice could be heard. “She’s right inside…”

Before the door could swing closed again, a hand caught it.

Silence. And then-

“Yumemi?”

Her heart flew up into her throat, and she didn’t know if she could respond. Instead, she turned again to the window, slowly rising to her feet, looking out over the horizon before her.

Behind, the door clicked shut. She could hear the heels of his shoes upon the flagstone floor.

“Are you ready?”

Yumemi breathed a sigh “Yes, I- I’m just nervous.” She turned her head, slowly, to look at him over her shoulder, a shy smile breaking over her lips. He watched her, eyes narrowed, as if he were afraid she’d up and disappear if he was to so much as blink. When she finally turned to him however, hands clasped behind her back, all strain simply dissolved from his features.

“Munto-”

“You look beautiful Yumemi.”

She blushed, touching the gold hem on her milk-white dress, eyes flitting up to where he was leaning against the chair Ichiko had used. Yumemi felt heat flush her face. Truth be told, if it was anyone who looked particularly stunning, he was one to talk. The formal black clashed brilliantly with the ruby red of his hair.

A heated lurch dropped from into her stomach.

Yumemi blinked rapidly, looking down, unable to hide the pearlescent luster in her gaze. A tear slipped down her cheek.

At this, Munto uncrossed his arms, coming forward to touch her forearm with a hand, pulling her arms out from their tensed position.

“Are you-?”

“Oh,” her voice came out in a rush. “No, I- this is- this is perfect. I just… oh it’s all so much.” Her large clover eyes blinked up at him, and she shook her head. “I’m just so happy.”

Munto caressed her hand, running circles over the back of her palm with his thumb. This seemed to relax her, and Yumemi could feel the slow platonic heat she always felt when he touched her thusly.

Leaning in, the King pressed a light kiss upon her forehead, trailing his lips down to where the rivulet of salt wetted her skin. He pressed a bit firmer, pulling back only so his mouth whispered over her when he spoke.

“This, Yumemi, is a day I had simply wished to see, having no real hope that I would ever do so.” He smiled as she made a soft noise of comfort against his ear, his arms having found their way round her body. “You have given me to hope again.”

“Munto-”

“Yumemi, I would never wish to own you… but it drives me mad to know that you’re mine… forever.”

She had to smile, her fingers making long soothing trails down his shoulder blades. “If we don’t leave now, I don’t think we’ll ever make it down there.”

She could feel him take a rather deep breath. He pulled away, gold eyes bright with mirth. “You’re right.” And then he offered her his arm.

She took it.

.o.o.o.o.

It was the same theater-like expanse where every King was made so. Likewise, it was the same place where all royal unions were solidified before the people.

On that day, the dais and the archway hanging over it, were decorated with the most enchanting wildflowers and vines. The whole of the arena was teeming with bodies; people crammed in from just in front of the stage all the way up, even on roofs of overlooking buildings.

At one end of this crowed, upon the stage, Ryuely stood resolute and still. On the other end, the two red curtains over from where royalty would pass into the open, were pulled back.

A great noise erupted from the hundreds of witnesses, and two attendants stepped out the castle doorway.

From their position inside, Yumemi clutched Munto’s arm just a little tighter as sun spilled into where they were waiting. His other hand came up to brush her fingertips, helping her along as they both stepped forward.

For a moment, as they strode into the light, Yumemi felt as if she was going to be drowned in the sea of jubilant noise all around her. It had been a shock to see so many people cheering- for them. It was her first trip to Heaven all over again, only this time it was much, much more personal.

Heat came up to pool in her cheeks so quickly she felt her heart beat erratically, and was afraid that if it were not for Munto, she would have fainted. Everywhere smiling faces were raising a chorus yell into the bright afternoon.

It was a chore for Yumemi not to sink shyly against the man holding her. Onlookers saw her blush, for their joyous crying grew.

They had paused only briefly, to let their presence be known to those watching, and then Munto was pulling her gently down the steps, down to the walkway that led to the stage where Ryuely was waiting for them.

A little girl, blonde hair framing her face, was sitting upon her father’s shoulders in the front of the crowed. A handful of bright pansies were clutched in her grasp, and she was waving with such force at them, that Yumemi had to return the gesture.

Another loud eruption of calls and praise stunned her.

Munto bent down and whispered softly, “You see? These are your people, Yumemi.” His lips brushed against her ear. She blushed. The crowed roared.

Behind them, dressed formal, Rui followed their procession as Munto’s second. Unlike his normal suit and cloak, the man was donning a more ceremonial outfit. The military uniform was only for formalities, and the front buckles of gold shone spectacularly along the high cuffs and tailored neckline. He seemed less at ease then his King, but perhaps that was because he was constantly scanning the throng for signs of disturbance. As the bride and groom stopped along the bottom steps of the platform, Rui stood off to the side at attention.

Yumemi smiled at him, briefly, but he mustn’t have noticed, for his gaze was drawn elsewhere. Yumemi followed his line of sight and saw Ichiko, Suzumei, and the rest of her family huddled up a few rows back. All the women were crying. She sent them a beaming smile.

“Yumemi?”

Munto’s voice caused her to turn back to the figure in front of them. She looked up to see Ryuely nod down at them. As acting Prophetess, she had the authority above all else to unite royalty in marriage.

She raised her hand, to where a good amount of the chatter around them died, and then lowered it again. At this movement, Munto began to kneel, as Yumemi did, only he upon one knee and she upon both.

Thankfully, her left hand was still securely fastened within his, so as they bowed their heads, he squeezed just a little harder, as if to reassure her.

Perhaps if she focused on that hand, on that warmth that connected them, all else would simply fall away. Yumemi concentrated, trying to block everything but the man she loved.

And then Ryuely spoke.

And although the words were grand and beautiful, Yumemi barely heard them. She was so close to him- so close . She nearly turned her head to catch a glimpse of his head bowed forward, his eye perhaps closed, face as sweet and relaxed as when he slept.

She almost did this, but forced herself to stare resolutely at the ground, as was the custom.

Ryuely knelt briefly to touch at where she and Munto were joined by their clasping hands. As she rose, so did they.

A pause, to where all that could be heard was the wind blowing warm air through Heaven.

“Munto,” The woman turned to the King.

He nodded, and produced a small golden band from inside the lining of his tunic. Even without touching it, Yumemi could see, could feel, the Akuto swirling around the metal. It was the same with his, Munto’s ring, but it was a different kind of power, and she had gotten use to that. His was solid and warm… this was fast-moving and bubbling with life.

Cradling Yumemi’s left hand, he took the band and slid it on her ring finger until it fit snugly against the knuckle.

Her heart was choking her.

“Yumemi?” It was quiet enough so that the sound was intimate, but loud enough so that a majority could hear. “You have the King’s ring.”

Yumemi nodded, slipping the gold band off her thumb, laying it flat upon her palm. With shaking fingers she took his hand, rough as it was from the use of magic and the fighting he had endured.

God she loved his hands…

They were such a symbol of him.

He could lay to waste an entire army with just the casual flick of his wrist, and yet he could run the pads of his fingers so softly over her skin that she felt like water.

She took his hand, and slid the ring forward as he had done to her.

And then it was over.

Tears were streaming down her face so readily she couldn’t see his expression, although she knew he was smiling at her.

Ryuely opened her arms wide. “The Magical Kingdom rejoices,” she pronounced, “for their new King and Queen of Heaven.”

Munto leaned in, pulling her towards him, and Yumemi fell against his chest. His knuckle was under her chin, tilting her up.

Beyond their little bubble of happiness, the air was thick with euphoria.

“I love you,” She was able to choke out, clutching desperately to him.

“I love you, Yumemi.” And then his lips captured hers and pressed.

A/n- Two more chapters! One legitimate, and one simply smut. Lol

Anyway, this is finals time (wooo….hooo…) So I might have to go about the same length of time until the next update. I dunno, maybe not, I’m excited for the “party” chapter.

Review!