Chapter 120: 'Dearly Beloved'

Dawn had come and gone leaving nothing remarkable in its wake.

Discounting of course that during the previous night The Emperor of the most powerful Dynasty in known space had made planet fall. And at some point, just before the approaching noon, the closest male friend of one Kiyone Makibi would be married and thus recognized as It's crown prince.

So, Key had wisely allowed additional sleep time for both Mihoshi and herself.

Certain that calling what was to come 'hectic' would be the grossest of understatements.

It was around nine-o clock a guard arrived bearing both their uniforms for the ceremony.

From there, the mechanical details.

Dress blues were never easy so Mihoshi came first. It was here that they hit their first snag of the morning.

Some serious liberties had been taken with the tailoring. All of the 'Press-Fix" points on Miho's uniform had been replaced with Jurian equivalents.

At the moment of discovery Kiyone had instantly checked, confirming identical 'traditional' type buttons and hooks on her dress blues as well. ARGGGGGH!

A little over twenty minutes later, she had been negotiating with the elaborate string tie at Miho's collar, when a knock herald appearance of one flush faced retainer.

It seems Tenchi's own preparations were being delayed, and that he needed help with a fussing Mayuka, specifically requesting Mihoshi's presence.

Shortly in the wake of her partner's departure, Key had struggled on her own custom tailored affair.

Confirming what she had already suspected.

Aside from the Jurians never discovering the miracle of Velcro, the dress uniform was composed largely of silk. Or at least a material of similar properties.

This led of course to the Ahem! Prominent display of her 'assets'. Enough that Kiyone was glad for the longer formal dress coat!

"Oh, for the love of..." Key muttered darkly, regarding her mirrored 'dairy air' over her shoulder.

She sighed, discarding the notion that this might be some deliberate form of public humiliation.

Plus there was nothing really to be done about it now and she certainly wasn't body shy.

It just somehow struck her as a tad improper for a wedding.

Her general inspection came to a halt when she reached and mechanically began strapping on the outfit's elaborate dress holster.

"What the hell?" Key snapped realizing the snap over flap concealed ... nothing.

"Hey!" She continued instantly seizing and opening the room's door.

"What's the big idea giving me a gun belt and no gun?"

The Tanzuru stationed outside merely blink, almost as if not understanding.

"With apologies madam." He intoned with a slight bow, reaching into his sash.

"Your weapon was indeed sent along, I merely forgot its delivery."

"Fantastic!" Key snapped. Snatching the bag then uncharitably closing the door.

"Just for that! Don't expect any tip!" She added. Ignoring the indignant 'OW!' issuing from the other side.

Kiyone tore open the package, stopping cold as its contents came to light.

The weapon had been rendered completely nonfunctional. Both charging studs removed, Its mechanics poured full of some type of organic resin.

"Why didn't they just toss me a bar of soap n' let me whittle one?" She rasped sourly, noting even the barrel had been plugged!

Yet another sigh escaped as she dutifully holstered it. Knowing of course it had been issued because it was part of the standard dress blues of GP command.

"Some how I get the feeling that someone doesn't trust me." She pouted.

It was at that point, a knock came yet again. Prompting she open the door to the face of one annoyed Tanzuru.

"If you have completed your preparations..." He told Key with strained politeness.

"I believe it is time."

The walk from the Masaki homestead seemed somehow longer. Every odd branch or stone reminding Key of how many times she had past this way. The 'little things'. Incidents great and small which had occurred against this back drop.

Her current passage towards the shrine all the more meaningful this day because Kiyone couldn't help but wonder, might it be the last?

Arrival at the 'staging area' was uneventful, discounting of course the rows of Tanzuru, standing at attention. Forming a cordon up the path from the rest stop.

Key was just musing that while their apparent number had almost 'doubled' It certainly wasn't the massive swell she'd over heard was coming.

That is until rounding corner of the gigantic tent.

Every step leading up to the ancient shrine high above was occupied. A pair of Tanzuru, two for every step stood at ready forming a mixed line of male and female protectors dwindling up into the distance.

She had an instant taking this all in, Just noticing the regal form of Azaka where the elder knight stood at the foot of the path. When something unseen prompted the guards flanking her to snap to attention!