Pure Love

The bells were ringing from the steeple of the Church of the Holy Maiden one day about a month after the festival. Few people in Pot au Feu city were well informed of what was going on; they had been eagerly awaiting this ever since it had been announced. It was lucky that there wasn't an open house because the chapel would be mobbed. As it was, the Chocolat Gang had to act as bouncers.

Inside, standing at the alter was Croix Raoul; tugging on his tie uncomfortably. He wasn't used to formal wear after all. Sister Romaine was sitting down; waiting for the ceremony to begin. After the past week of preparations, she was somewhat frazzled. Especially when Bear Socks nearly had eaten the food for the reception earlier this morning. The church's leader had nearly lost ten years of her life.

Suddenly, the music started and Croix was jolted back to reality. He saw Culotte escorting Dominique; the former in a suit and tie while the latter had on a long violet dress. Éclair and Homard were up next in the same attire, followed by Francoise and Jacques. Each seemed to be nervous in some way or another; Francoise was even blushing and Culotte seemed to sweat just holding Dommie's hand.

After they had all taken their places, Croix could see little Angelique practically dancing up the aisle in her little violet dress and tossing violet petals from her basket. She seemed to be blissfully unaware that Bear Socks was trying to break free of Papillon and Yattanya's grasp and run up towards his young mistress. However, he was restrained and the child arrived up front with no further incident.

Then, at last, Prier walked up in a beautiful white gown. Father Salade was escorting her; as he was the closest thing she had to a father. In the brightly lit church, the golden cross she wore around her neck seemed to glow with as much Holy energy as the blade Prier had used in her final battle with Sang.

Her steps seemed to take hours. Well, that could be because she was wearing heels at the insistence of her friends; Prier had no prior experience in them and so she was being extra careful for once. Finally, the love of his life was at the alter; Father Salade holding out her hand for Croix. He took it in his own; the pleasure of her touch almost frightening him. Both smiled at one another; it was time.

"In the name of the Holy Goddess Poitreene," Sister Romaine began, "We are gathered here today to join these two souls together in holy matrimony. They have proved that love is stronger than any bond; facing the Darkness with only that beacon to guide them. Accepting and looking away from the past and keeping their eyes shining on their future together. This courage should lie in all of our hearts."

"Courage is the will to move forward and never give up; no matter what adversities you face. Even when it looked as if Croix was lost in the Darkness forever, Prier was able to fight her way through to him. Love and caring are what saved this world; the heart of a young girl," Sister Olive announced.

Sister Cherrie stated, "Love in its purest form radiated from Prier's heart as she fought for the one who held its key. As those who wrote the Goddess's words in the Holy Book quoted, 'Even the worst of sinners are able to repent. The Goddess Poitreene wishes none of her children to be lost in the flames of Hades. So those of you who love her and honor her teachings, reach out to your neighbor and pull him from the black flames that surround his soul.' Prier, in her pure emotions, did just that for Croix back then. It is because of her, we can attain the peace we wished for so long. Her and the late Sister Alouette."

Everyone inside the church began to clap; they were all grateful to Sister Prier Dark Slayer for her valiant fight with the Dark Prince, and even happier for the fact that she had been able to perform the very service of charity the Goddess wished for. When Sister Romaine faked a cough, however, they once more became silent. The good Sister stood up and turned towards the couple; noticing Prier's fast growing impatience. "Do you, Prier, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold? In sickness and in health? For richer or poorer? In good times and bad? Till death do you part?"

"Of course I do," replied Prier, "I've been waiting four years for this to happen."

"And do you, Croix Raoul, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold? In sickness and in health? For richer or poorer? In good times and bad? Till death do you part?" Sister Romaine continued. She was obviously trying to ignore Prier's little outburst. If it had been up to the fiery Sister, they'd have skipped all the formalities, wore their casual clothes, went right to the vows and then the kiss, and finally running right to the banquet hall and pigging out on the enormous feast.

Croix smiled at Prier before saying, "Yes…I do." He didn't want any trouble; the faster they leave the chapel the sooner they get to the banquet. He and Prier were both big eaters and hated having to go through ceremonies. In fact, once she'd skipped services to twirl her baton in the outside practice area.

Sister Romaine was happy that at least one of them took the whole wedding thing seriously. "If anyone here believes that these two should not be wed in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace." There was silence for a few blessed moments. "In that case, Culotte bring forth the rings."

The boy held out two boxes. A blue one was handed to Prier while the violet one was handed to Croix. Each opened the box to see a golden ring with a pair of angel's wings billowing out from the center. The diamond was set in the middle of the wings; it was in the shape of a heart. Prier held out her left hand and Croix applied the beautiful ring onto her fourth finger. Then, she did the same thing for him.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife," announced Sister Romaine, "You may kiss the bride."

Croix pulled Prier close to him; his lips slowly moving towards hers as his body tingled with sheer excitement. The second they touched, it was as if lightning had struck Prier's body. She always enjoyed his kisses; each was like a newly answered prayer. If they didn't have to come up for air, they could have stayed like this forever. However, they also didn't want to miss their banquet; after all…it was food.

S...S

One month later…

"So you're sure about this? I swear, Croix and I can't spend any intimate time," Prier muttered.

Sister Cherrie told her, "Yes, it appears as if you're pregnant again Prier. You and Croix don't have very good timing, don't you. At this rate, I think the only way for you to avoid becoming a mother of ten plus kids is to abstain from sexual relations altogether." She was giggling as she thought of her friend's luck. Prier and Croix had only slept together once in the past month, and it was the right time.

Prier blushed. "But it feels so good when I'm with Croix." Across the room, she could see her husband's face had turned the same shade of crimson. And Angie seemed clueless as always. The entire, 'where do babies come from' question had yet to be asked and she wasn't looking forward to it.

"And we've got to go to Éclair and Homard's wedding next month," Croix added, "No, scratch that, weddings. They're having one for friends and family, one public one for the citizens of Paprica, and one for the citizens of Marl. And we're going to support them at each one. Is it ok for Prier to travel now?"

"It's quite alright. Just as long as she keeps out of fights. Knowing her, you've got your work cut out for you on these trips Croix," joked Sister Cherrie. Just then, she had to watch a test of Croix's new job as an annoyed Prier was ready to slug her. However, just his touch was enough to calm her down.

Prier exclaimed, "I am so warning Éclair and Homard the next time I see them! If they want to spend that peaceful year together, they better learn to time their intimate periods. My luck is so bad!"

However, she didn't really think that way. In truth, Prier was happy that Angie would have a new brother or sister. Not that it was happening so soon after her marriage, but the fact that it happened was a blessing to her. Now, Croix would be able to raise a child from infancy onwards, and they'd have a real family. She knew deep in her heart that their futures would be bright. The souls of their dead friends and family would shine down on them from Heaven; continually watching over the young girl and her beloved.

Yes, we ended it on a sweet note. Our next fic will involve what happens at Eclair and Homard's wedding. Well, really at the reception and the main problem is a group of party crashers that anyone who played Rhapsody will be familiar with. After that, a story about Angelique when she grows up and is partnered with her sibling and the children of the other main characters in La Pucelle plus my OCs. There will also be a story that is an alternate-reality to this one; they are related just like individual series of the different Tenchi anime are. I just have to think which way I wish to go first; the same reality or the same timeframe.