[[ Kiko- C H A N and Sno - C H A N ]] - Private 1x1

[Sno Magicka]

Α ℓєкsαи∂єя ● K єsισм ● S иσ ● H ιкαяα ● T σкєтsυ

Hikara just smiled at her parents and their worrying natures. "I'll be careful," she said more seriously, "I would feel bad hurting something as pretty as this," she finished. With one last smile, she darted from the room and back to her own, and as Keiko retreated to the bathroom, Kesiom simply began to disassemble his own tux into the various pieces that made up the outfit. Slipping out of the clothes he had on, he put on the basic parts first, like the socks, then the pants, followed by the black button up shirt that he tucked into the pants. Grabbing the tie, he walked over to the mirror and looped it around his neck, and he his fingers fumbled through trying to tie it, he quickly realized he had never tied one. He thought it was something he could figure out, as he did with most situations, but after about 10 separate attempts, the tie was starting to look wrinkled and he was getting frustrated. Regrettably, he spoke up. "I need your help Keiko," he said, not really wanting to ask for help for something like this, but knowing she would have higher success rate with his problem, and turning up to the event without it on would most likely be considered tacky and looked down upon. Plus, with most normal things guys would know, Keiko understood exactly why he didn't in fact know those kinds of things, and it was just another reason he loved her.

Sno could feel her shaking, but she slowly worked on her breathing, trying to get past the near hyperventilation she was on the verge of. Between listening to his words, his tight grip on her that spoke so many words on its own, and finally the light kissed he placed on her head, she nodded, pulling back from him and wiping under her eyes. Finally, her sensible, logical side was kicking back in, and she put out a genuine smile. "I know," she simply said, knowing it summed up everything she felt and told the man she understood his words and the meaning behind them. Then the doors between the rooms slid open, and a sleepy looking Toketsu rubbed his eyes before suddenly becoming alert at the sight of Sno. Toketsu had seen Jirou's scars also, but in the end, the boy had been just happy he was alive, plus he was like his father in that way that he wasn't overly emotional about things like that. Though, seeing his mother with wet tracks down her face, he became worried and stepped forward. "What's wrong Mom?" he asked with concern laced into his voice, but Sno simply smiled, summoning him to come over. She left one arm around Jirou's waist, and placed the other across Toketsu's shoulders. "I'm fine...as long as I have the two most important men in my life with me, I'll be able to stay that way," she said, and Toketsu just smiled in return, wrapping his arms around Sno's waist.

When Aleks heard those words come from Kiko's mouth, they hit him hard. He had been considering that very option in the back of his mind, but he had that sense of duty so thoroughly instilled in him as his role of the eldest prince that it was a very small consideration for the option. Hearing it from her though, his mind brought it to the forefront once more, only to have it pushed back when Kiko realized the footwear choice his mother had made for her this time. For now, he wouldn't think about it, at least not until later in the day. "Well, she learned her lesson, no matter how well you did in heels at the ball," he said, meaning actually behind the compliment. At that time, he had been worried Kiko wouldn't take well to playing dress up with his mother, but she had taken it with a grace he hadn't known she possessed and kept a poise about her that had dumbfounded the man. Sure, she'd never admit to either, but he knew that beneath the tough, fighter exterior, even Kiko had some intuition into the girlier side of the warrior princess role she was in. Aleks turned though with Kiko as the door opened after the light knock, and the man couldn't stop the happy smile that came across his face as Yori's excitement of seeing his mother awake filled the room.

Checking the clock for a moment, Aleks frowned. "I have to get ready...I'm at the front of the procession with my mother and brother, so I have to be there a little earlier than either of you. None the less, a guard will find you guys when the time comes, lead you to your places with the others," he said, turning and grabbing the outfit from the wardrobe. Slipping into the bathroom, he quickly pulled the pieces of it on, leaving the pants he had been wearing folded neatly on a shelf in the bathroom before walking back out. Adjusting his sleeve, he practically stared down the small box on the bed, then finally moved over next to it, opening it once more. A look of uncertainty flashed across his face for only a brief moment, but he soon pushed those emotions away, locking them up like the others as his hands reached down and pulled it from the padded box, placing it gently on his head, straight much to what he would assume would be his mother's approval. Looking over to the other two, he smiled and walked to them, giving Kiko a gentle kiss and Yori a hug. "I love you both, and I'll see you in a bit," he said, heading over to the door. With one last smile to both of them, he walked out.

[shigatsusan]

Ⓚⓘⓚⓞ ◦ кєιкσ ◦ ΥѲЯΊ ◦ ʝȋʀɸϑ

xxxxIt didn't take Keiko long to slip on her dress, to which she found fit like a glove. She admired the crasftmanship in the mirror a bit, deciding it looked far better on then hanging, when she heard Kesiom call for her help. It wasn't often the man asked for assistance, so Keiko's first thought went to something negative. As she opened the door and looked out only to see Kesiom struggling with a tie, she couldn't help a laugh. She came over, shooing his frustrated hands away as she took each end of the tie and began looping it properly. She synched up the top and made sure it laid straight before stepping back with a hand on her hip to survey his completed look. "So dashing." she smiled.

xxxxThe life of a Knight was taken one day at a time, and Jirou was no different. He had no idea what tomorrow could bring for them but tomorrow was the future. What happened to him on Mars was the past. The only moment that mattered to him now was the present. Sno seemed to gather herself after a few moments, but Jirou kept her close our of instinct. It wasn't until Toketsu appeared from his room did Jirou loosen his hold just a little to allow the woman to glance over at him. Jirou tried at a reassuring smile, despite the fact both he and Sno looked a little upset. He raised a hand to rest on top of the boy's head when he came closer, taking a glance at the two in his grasp. This was his family. They were strong and no matter what the future had in store he would not allow himself to lose them. With that thought, he patted Toketsu's head before placing a final kiss at Sno's brow. He then moved to the garment bags and held up the one for Toketsu, "Go get ready."

xxxxKiko placed her arms around Yori and gave him a firm hug before resting her arms and his shoulders, pushing him back to arms length, "You can't get rid of me that easily, don't worry." to which the boy smiled and nodded. His mother was one of the strongest people he knew, and he was thankful he had been able to come back and see the woman fighting under her own will. Despite how scary the energy had been in her back on Mars, she had been strong enough to over come it. His smile drifted from his face though, as he began to recall just exactly what they were all getting ready for. He watched quietly as Aleks went to the box at his bed, picking up what Yori knew was the King's crown. When the man came over to hug him, Yori hugged back with emphasis, "Love you too, dad." he murmured. Kiko made sure to steal a kiss from him before he exited the room. It felt as if a light had gone out and both Hino's stood there for a moment in silence. And then Kiko straightened up, pointing to the bag holding his suit, "No lolly gagging, get dressed."

[Sno Magicka]

Α ℓєкsαи∂єя ● K єsισм ● S иσ ● H ιкαяα ● T σкєтsυ

Kesiom just gave Keiko a roll of his eyes when she laughed at him, but knew in the end it was a lighthearted laugh and meant no ill towards the fact that he couldn't perform such a task. Bringing his chin up ever so slightly as she nimbly moved her fingers within' the silk, he looked her in the eye once she was finished and backed up to survey him. He gave a small exasperated sigh along with a smirk, then walked forward and put his hands on her waist, the velvet feeling soft under his finger tips. "If I'm dashing as you say, then you are beyond words," he said with a small smile, bringing one hand up and gently running his fingers along the side of her face, gently moving the hair there to the side. The man felt those same feelings he always had for bubbling up inside of him, that warm, gentle nature of their love, and for even just moment, he could forget the terrible things of the world and just look into her eyes.

Toketsu batted Jirou's hand off his head playfully, and then just smiled as he took the bag from Jirou. "Yes sir!" he said, giving the man a typical Mercury Guard salute before turning and walking back over to his part of the suite, closing the sliding doors behind him. Sno just watched with a smile, and once the doors were closed, gave Jirou one last squeeze in the form of a hug before walking over to the remaining garment bags and picking hers up. Hanging it on the shelf of a nearby bookcase, she unzipped it, then promptly followed it up by stripping to her undergarments. "I think I should do my hair up, but I don't know if we have the time," she said casually, her mind obviously processing the idea of doing her hair, not her lack of clothing.

Once Aleks reached the hall that was decorated in the glum color of black roses and garland and ribbons, he saw his mother in the front of the room, talking to a coordinator about what was to happen. Immediately, the man's attention was caught by the coffin that was at the front of the room, and even though he felt like his heart might as well deflated like someone had popped a hole in a balloon, he just pushed it aside once more and came up to his mother, who's expression was unnaturally happy. He gave a her a confused look before her hands reached up, adjusting the crown on his head much to his annoyance. Giving her an eyebrow up, she just smiled at him. "You won't have to wear it for long, don't worry," she said, and a note in her voice confused him even further. "When you say-" Aleks started, only to have his mother shush him with a finger to his lips. "After the proceedings, I'll let everyone know then," she said, and Aleks couldn't help but feel anxiety well up in him.

None the less, the funeral was fairly standard, at least for higher ranking Venus royalty and nobles. It would begin with a service in the hall his mother and him were in. Immediate family sat in the front row, followed by close advisers, the council, higher up nobles, and other important people in the society of Venus, the back seats for those allowed in to such an event, like Aleks' friends. People would take turns speaking, and his Mother would finish, giving her own speech, followed by plans for what would happen after wards, like the coronation the following day, then the procession would start. The people at the funeral would then follow the casket, carried by pallbearers, to the Royal Cemetery, where the coffin would be brought to a royal tomb and be placed in a sarcophagus. In tradition, the Queen would walk on the left side, the King on the right, and in this case, the next in line for said title if the person in the coffin had once had one of those titles.

[shigatsusan]

Ⓚⓘⓚⓞ ◦ кєιкσ ◦ ΥѲЯΊ ◦ ʝȋʀɸϑ

xxxxKeiko would never get over how she felt when around Kesiom. It was surreal, almost. Like she was in some fantasy land where nothing could get her. She felt a blush rise to her cheeks as he complimented her, muttered a 'oh, stop' as she slipped her arms around his waist. As much as she wanted to stay where they were, just like this, she knew soon enough they would be summoned to the funeral. She wasn't sure how she would deal with the situation, it still all felt like a dream. Like none of it was real. She sighed gently and rested into Kesiom's chest. Despite having just woken up, she felt tired again.

xxxxJirou made sure to return the boys salute before he left in a flurry. He let Sno move out of his grasp then, knowing they had to start getting ready for the day. They could try and push it away as much as possible but there was no escaping it. When she began to strip, Jirou felt his ears burn in a blush and he tried his best not to stare. "Yes...well...you can...try if you'd like. I'm sure no one would mind if you kept it down." he liked her hair in any way, shape, or form, but at the moment his main was not on the woman's hair. He went to busiying himself with getting ready, unbuttoning his overshirt and pulling it on over his long arms.

xxxxKiko didn't take much time in getting ready, so she took to helping Yori into his suit for the first few minutes after Aleks had left. The boy pulled at his tie, trying to loosen it after Kiko had just spent five minutes figuring out how to tie it right. She smacked at his hand, "Don't fuss with it." to which the boy frowned but let his hands fall back at his sides. Apparently he didn't like dressing up any more than Kiko did. Once Yori was all set, Kiko retreated into the bathroom to change into her dress. After a bit of rummaging in the drawers, she found a hair tie and quickly pulled her hair into a bun on the top of her head. When she came back out into the bedroom, Yori was, once again, fiddling with his tie. "Yori, leave it alone or so help me..."

[Sno Magicka]

Α ℓєкsαи∂єя ● K єsισм ● S иσ ● H ιкαяα ● T σкєтsυ

Kesiom loved the feel of Keiko close to his body, resting his chin on the top of her head while his arms circled her back in a hug. Just taking the moment in, letting that wonderful feeling continue through him, he pulled away ever so slightly as the door opened once more to reveal Hikara. She had most of her outfit on, but looked frustrated, her hair a little disheveled. "Can you help me Mom? My hair is being a...bit unruly," she said, having paused before a swear word had slipped from her mouth. Her mother in the future was certainly strict on her daughter's language, always telling her to behave like a lady, and she had no doubts her mother in this time would behave the same way. Kesiom just smiled and let Keiko bring Hikara to the bathroom, picking up the cummerbund and jacket from the bed, putting them on accordingly, then deciding to sit on the bed as his fiance fussed with their daughter's 'unruly' hair.

Sno listened as Jirou spoke, catching the stuttering in his words, something very uncharacteristic of him. Then she finally realized what was causing it, surprised she herself hadn't been embarrassed by her revealing act. Like she though before though, he had seen her in a bikini, so what was the difference now? It was terrible of her, and Sno knew it, but she wanted to do it anyway. Letting the dress hang where it was, she walked over to Jirou, a small smirk on her face as she reached her hands out to help him button up his shirt. As she got closer to the buttons on top, she let her body press against his, her head cocking to the side a little as she finished the last button. "I guess you're right, either way will work," she said finally, moving her eyes to meet his with a sarcastic little smirk across her face. She never had really been able to get a rise out of Jirou, and she was use to it, but now...she liked the reaction she was getting. It was kind of his embarrassed way of saying he liked her body, something that Sno enjoyed.

Walking down the hallway, the woman could barely contain the secret she held inside. It was definitely a monumental kind of thing, and even though it wouldn't be shared with the public or the one person it effected the most until later in the day, she couldn't help the smile that played across her face even in light of the depressing event that was about to take place. Stopping in front of Aleks' room, Aphrodite gently knocked on the door. She knew that Aleks had already left, but Minako had asked the woman to escort the other two personally to the funeral hall, mostly because of a smaller change of plans regarding them. Aphrodite was dressed in a floor length gown made of a black satin and chiffon material mixture, an intricate design of roses embroidered through the outfit in a delicate manner of white silk threading. It had a Queen Anne neckline and was long sleeved, her hair up in a tight bun and her white leather gloves adorning her hands.

[shigatsusan]

Ⓚⓘⓚⓞ ◦ кєιкσ ◦ ΥѲЯΊ ◦ ʝȋʀɸϑ

xxxxKeiko smiled as Hikara came back in, her hair mussed and a frustrated look about her. She squeezed Kesiom's bicep before moving out of his hold toward the girl. She gave a hissing sound at the use of her swear word, "What are you, Kiko?" her sister had the mouth of a sailor, she would not have her daughter speak the same way. She shooed the girl into the bathroom, reaching out for her hairbrush. She started at the bottom, a trick she had learned as a girl. It hurt less to get all the knots out along with way. Once it was brushed through, Keiko rummaged through the bathroom drawers until she found a simple hair tie. She pulled the top part of Hikara's hair back, pulling it into a half pony tail of sorts. "There, how's that?"

xxxxJirou knew full well what Sno was doing, but wasn't about to stop her despite the fact his blush had now spread from his ears to his cheeks. He let the woman button him up, watching her face with a slightly exasperated look on his. After a moment he broke into a sheepish grin, "You're awful, you know that?" he joked, leaning his head down to rub his now reddening nose alongside Sno's. In the back of his mind he almost felt bad for being in such a bright mood that morning considering what was happening around them.

xxxxKiko was contemplating tying Yori's hands behind his back to keep him from trying to yank of his tie when there was another knock at the door. Who could it be this time? She shot Yori a glare before heading over to see who it was. "Oh, Aphrodite. Come in! You look lovely." she took a step back and away from the door to let the woman into their room. "Is it time to go already? Yori, I swear to god..." she had turned back to the red head who was halfway through pulling the bothersome tie off. He could practically see the steam coming from his mother's ears, and quickly went back to syncing it back up.

[Sno Magicka]

Α ℓєкsαи∂єя ● K єsισм ● S иσ ● H ιкαяα ● T σкєтsυ

Hikara huffed as Keiko asked her about being her aunt, sitting and cringing as Keiko hit the couple of knots that were a little harder to tug through. "She is my aunt..." Hikara said, trying to respond to what Keiko said, though the logistics weren't behind that statement. She had never known her aunt in her time, and even though she had heard a few swear words in the near month that they had all been together, it wasn't nearly enough to influence he girl's words. Nope, Hikara mostly liked to blame Yori, who had picked up swearing in tough situations, which were often in their time, even to Aleks' dismay. When her mother had finished, Hikara smiled and nodded. "Better than me going looking like I just woke up, that's for sure" she said with a big grin. Then a knock came on their door, Kesiom getting up to answer it. Outside was the female guard that had helped the Mercury gang. "I've been sent to round you and the others up to head to the hall," she said, her guard outfit now also a black uniform for the occasion.

Sno just smiled a little, her own blush rising as she felt Jirou's face so close to hers, and at the mere fact that she had acted in such a naughty way. "I know, and I'm sorry," she said shyly, pushing herself up and giving him a quick kiss. Walking back over to the dress, she pulled it over her head, adjusting it before pulling on the hosiery and boots that came with it. Looking into the bathroom, she decided that she was going to style her hair, but made it a simple, easy style, quickly french braiding her hair and tying it off at the end. As she stepped back out, Toketsu came through the sliding doors once more, his outfit assembled perfectly as he lifted his hands up to show the blue gloves. "The gloves are kinda weird..." he said, fidgeting with them as he tried to make them more comfortable, and before he went to pull them off, caught the look from Sno and stopped. "But Mom..." he started to say, and Sno just shook her head. "Your father has to wear them too, and if he's wearing them, you're wearing them," she said, then gave Jirou a look that said 'You better wear them'.

Aphrodite just smiled as she watched Kiko fuss over Yori, bowing her head a little to Kiko. "Thank you, you two look quite wonderful yourselves. I was sent to fetch you two before the others came, because your seating has changed," she said, motioning with her hand for the two to follow. Once they were out of the room with the door closed, Aphrodite guided them through the hallways once more, rounding the corner into a doorway that opened up into the hall that the first part of the funeral was to take place. Aleks had been conversing with one of the noble families that had shown up early, his attention being caught as he politely excused himself and walked to meet them halfway down the aisle. "What's going on?" he asked, worried there was trouble or something. Aphrodite just smiled. "Your mother thought the day might be easier if these two were to accompany you in your role through out the days proceedings," she said, and Aleks couldn't help the smile that came to his face. "Thank you," he said quietly, letting his arm bring Kiko in close to him, and his other rest on Yori's shoulder. "It will...".

[shigatsusan]

Ⓚⓘⓚⓞ ◦ кєιкσ ◦ ΥѲЯΊ ◦ ʝȋʀɸϑ

xxxxThere were just some things in the Hino blood that would stick around through generations, Keiko thought with a soft roll of her eyes. While she knew Hikara wouldn't have spent much time with Kiko while being raised, the fiery personality the girl got from her Mars side would undoubtedly show through. It was endearing in a way, how her own daughter shared characteristics of other people she held dear. For now, she'd let the curse word slide. Once finished with Hikara's hair, Keiko made her way back out to the bedroom as Kesiom answered the door. Keiko bowed her head at the guard there, and the reality of the day settled uneasily in her stomach. It was time.

xxxxJirou always tried to be a dignified gentleman. They were in the royal palace on Venus as guests, getting ready to attend the funeral of the king, and all he could think about was Sno's body against his own. He was glad she played along with his remark, accepting her kiss with ease before, reluctantly, letting her go get dressed. Toketsu came in then, Jirou taking a moment to admire the sharp outfit. He eyed his own pair of gloves still laying out on the bed, and picked them up to slip them on. Even without Sno's look, Jirou would have done so. "You will wear them." he said simply. His word was the final word, period. He glanced over at the clock on the nightstand and sighed. It was starting.

xxxxKiko hadn't expected to be escorted by Aphrodite herself. The senshi imagined she had other, more important places to be but apparently not. "Alright, lets go." she said heavily. She glanced at Yori, who swallowed harshly and nodded, before following Aphrodite out. She kept quiet during the walk, glancing mostly at the floor as her mind ran a mile a minute. She had never been to a funeral before, much less one so important. Her main concern was Aleks, and how he would hold up. When she looked up again they were in a rather grand hall, and Aleks was standing not too far off. As Aphrodite explained they would be with Aleks during the proceedings, Kiko smiled softly. She wasn't sure what she would be able to do for the man, but she would at least be there for him.

[Sno Magicka]

Α ℓєкsαи∂єя ● K єsισм ● S иσ ● H ιкαяα ● T σкєтsυ

Kesiom stepped out into the hallway with the guard, allowing Hikara and Keiko to pass by him before shutting the door behind them. They walked quickly as a group to where the other's room was, and the guard knocked gently on their door also.

Toketsu just sighed slightly as Jirou spoke his commanding words. The boy wasn't about to disobey either of them, and with a last second of fidgeting with the gloves, finally left them on his hands and alone. Sno smiled at both of them, then turned as the knock on the door sounded through the room. For some weird reason, she almost felt afraid to answer it, like the reality of the day, of the sadness that would come with it would pour into the room if she were to open the door. Realizing she was being ridiculous, she walked over to the door, opening it to see the guard along with the others behind her. Giving them a brief smile, she motioned for Jirou and Toketsu to come out, shutting the door behind them as they all began to follow behind the guard who walked them through the hallways. While normally Toketsu would have been clung to Hikara's hip, he felt that being his normal semi-hyper self while walking to a funeral would be wrong, like dissing Aleks' dad or something, so he just patiently walked between his parents down the hallways.

Aphrodite, in the main hall, looked up to the front of the room, and seeing a priest of Venus making his way to the front along with the many people that were taking their seats, she motioned for the trio to take their seats. The hall was arranged with one cluster of seats down the center with walkways down the sides. There was a slightly elevated stage in the front of the hall, where the podium stood off to the left and the casket was placed slightly off center to the right. As they walked to their seats in the front row, Aleks couldn't take his eyes off the gold and white coffin no matter how much his heart and mind ached at the sight of it. As they turned to walk across the row, he pulled his gaze away for just that brief time, and he knew there was pain in his eyes. He knew some part of him didn't want to believe this was really happening, and he was fairly sure that part of him was what was truly keeping him sane. His mother sat in the center of the row, Aphrodite and Nicholai sitting to her left as Aleks sat on her immediate right followed by Kiko and Yori. The man felt a heavy breath escape from him, and without realizing it, he had clasped his fingers together and was bent forward, resting his head against his propped hands.

As the other group made their way to the hall, they were lead to a row of seats only a few from the back. It had been specifically reserved for them, but it wasn't very close to the front because of the other groups that technically held rank over them in the Venus society. Sno didn't mind as they took their seats, but did notice Kiko up at the front of the room, catching her eye for a second and giving her a small smile. She had a more rough situation than anyone else for the day, given that she was the soon to be kings' lover and all. When everyone in the room had finally sat, the priest brought everyone to attention and spoke loudly, thanking everyone for coming to such a solemn event to honor the life of the deceased King. As the funeral progressed, the priest went through various speeches and readings, followed by a small choir that sang with accompaniment of a mournful sounding organ. Then, various people took turns rising to the front, speaking of their experiences of the King. A few higher up nobles spoke, Aphrodite spoke, and like Aphrodite was to Minako, a gentleman named Victore spoke, having been the man's best friend and adviser. Aleks had been offered the chance to speak before the start of the funeral, but knew he was doing all he could to keep himself together and that making a speech like that would cause what little control he did have to shatter.

The final speaker was his mother, who had the most personal experience with him, and by far the most moving speech. She talked about his love for his family, for his planet, and of that of his men, the ones he led so bravely on Mars. Looking to the wall behind him, Toketsu just then realized that a few of the soldiers that had been in his squad had made it for the funeral, standing against the wall in their crimson Mars armor. It was obvious that the woman was pulling as much of her queenly air out, mostly in an attempt to prevent her own breakdown. Aleks felt his hand reach over and grab Kiko's, and without realizing it, felt it was shaking ever so slightly. As his mother finished, for she was the last speaker, she delved into what would happen with her husband's death, mentioning the coronation the following day. Aleks felt himself freeze up, his trembling ceasing as the full impact fell upon him, but then what his mother continued saying caught his attention. "In an emergency meeting of the Royal Council, a monumental agreement has come about, an altering of a law in light of recent happenings," she said, briefly catching Aleks' gaze. "I would like to invite the head of the Royal Council up to give further detail on the subject," she said, stepping down from the podium.

Honestly, Aleks had never known who was the head of the council. He knew who a few of the members were, but he wasn't sure who presided over the meetings and helped make the final calls. So when Aphrodite stood up, he was surprised. Watching her walk up to the podium, stopping to give Minako a brief hug, she stood firmly in front of the small microphone. "Thank you. This day is in fact a monumental day. It is without doubt necessary to have two rulers, for if one were to pass away," she said, giving a brief lapse of silence in grievance for the deceased, "the planet would be without rule and would fall into chaos. In result, Prince Aleksander Miko Holt will take his rightful place as King in the coronation tomorrow. The only difference is," she said, giving a slight pause before continuing, "he will not be ruling. Over the last few years, we have come to realize that our queen is sound in her decisions and can rule effectively on her own, and in result, King Aleksander will continue on his own path until he is needed, or prince Nicholai is of age to take the crown," she finished.

Aleks just stared in disbelief. Had he heard correctly? It was the plan that had originally been in place, to have Nicholai next in line for the crown, but one had to be of a certain age to technically carry the title and Nicholai was not there yet, resulting in their current dilemma. Plus it was true, his mother had done a miraculous job at ruling on her own, but now...now, Aleks almost felt guilty. Was he leaving his mother to do this alone? Was he being selfish in not wanting the crown, to leave her to rule on her own, without support in any way? Now, there was a new set of troubles for Aleks to think about, his mood not reflecting the happiness it should have at the news.

[shigatsusan]

Ⓚⓘⓚⓞ ◦ кєιкσ ◦ ΥѲЯΊ ◦ ʝȋʀɸϑ

xxxxJirou was glad to see Toketsu finally give up on the gloves and leave them be. He followed Sno over to the door as they were finally summoned, not too surprised to see Kesiom, Keiko and Hikara already out in the hallway waiting. They followed each other in silence, the reality of the day setting in heavy on their backs. Keiko kept close to Kesiom, a hand in his as they finally came upon the proceedings. For a funeral, it was beautiful. The man must have meant a lot to his people judging by the impeccable layout of his ceremony. She took her seat beside Kesiom, Hikara at her other side, and glanced around momentarily to see her sister's red hair up toward the front. She wished both Aleks and her sister strength.

xxxxKiko had never been to a funeral before. Had never known someone personally who died, or seen someone dead. It didn't feel real when the ceremony started. The music, so sad and yet beautiful, the people sharing wonderful memories of their King...it was as if she were watching from someone else's perspective. Yori was trembling gently beside her but his face was flat, as if trying his hardest to be strong. And Aleks...Kiko almost didn't want to look at him, knowing she would break if he did. She did squeeze his hand, though, when he reached out for her.

xxxxIt was hard to listen to Minako, but her speech was the most moving undoubtedly. When she went on to talk about the Royal Council, Kiko felt a rock in her stomach. Were they going to announce this here? Had something changed? She didn't know if they could take anymore surprises. Something had changed, yes, but to Kiko it was a good change. He would be crowned as King, but not required to stay here? She turned to Aleks then, ready to hug him in congratulations but he seemed troubled, far from relieved like the senshi thought he would be. She squeezed his hand again, her brows dipping in question, "Isn't that a good thing?" maybe she heard Aphrodite wrong, maybe there was a stipulation about it she didn't understand.

[Sno Magicka]

Α ℓєкsαи∂єя ● K єsισм ● S иσ ● H ιкαяα ● T σкєтsυ

Aleks heard Kiko, looking over and meeting her eyes, hating that his own eyes were betraying his emotions to her. He wasn't sure how to respond...it was what he wanted...right? Just as he tried to think of something to say, his Mother stood up from her chair as the pallbearers that had seemingly appeared out of no where, hoisting the casket off of it's small podium and bringing it down to the floor level, waiting patiently as for people to take their places as needed. Aleks also stood up from his chair as Aphrodite came over to Kiko and Yori, motioning for them to stand back by her, Nicholai, and Victore behind the casket. It was by tradition the closest they were allowed to be to Aleks, but it was better than being almost at the end where he wouldn't know where they were. Aleks took his place on the right side while Minako stood on the left, and looking at her son across the coffin, she quickly became confused at the look he was giving her. She knew he was grieving, but this look wasn't the one he had been wearing all day, hinting something else was bothering him.

Just then, as the two were in their place, the priest in the front began walking, the pallbearers taking his lead. Soon, Sno lead the others in standing up as the row in front of them stood to follow the procession, and eventually everyone was leaving the hall. Only a few turns were involved before they reach the grand hall and were going out the front doors of the palace. Outside, they followed a path of golden rose petals that had been laid on the funeral path, one that trailed through the royal garden and finally to the cemetery. Once there, Minako and Aleks stood by the sides of the entrance to the royal tomb, turning to face the crowd as the casket was brought inside. The group made a semi-circle around the entrance as the priest spoke a few, final words of departure for the man's soul, and with the work of the pallbearers, the sarcophagus's lid was slid on, the door closing behind them with a heaviness that might as well have crushed Aleks' heart. Once the door was closed and the priest said one final phrase, the funeral was officially over, and the crowd began to disperse.

Immediately, Nicholai ran up to Minako, grabbing her hand, and even though there were wet trails down the little boy's face, he kept a strong smile on his face. Aphrodite and Victore walked up also with Kiko and Yori as Minako turned to look Aleks. "What's wrong son?" she asked, Aleks finally looking up as if snapping out of some trance. His face had pain written all over it, but he kept his gaze steady as he could. "I can't desert you...not after this," he said quietly, turning his body to face his mother. She simply gave him a confused look. "What do you mean?" she asked, and Aleks took a deep breath, trying his hardest to steady himself. "I can't leave you to rule on your own after your husband, my father dies. I know you've ruled on your own for a while now...but-" he started saying, only to have his mother cut him off. "No. You have a different path to live, and I'm not going to chain you to the royal politics of Venus. Anyway, you and Nicholai aren't giving me the credit I deserve...I will mourn his passing, but he died defending what he loved, what he cared about. The people of Mars were like his own people after all. But I will move on, I will continue to rule just like I did when Artemis was alive," she said sternly, Aleks flinching at the use of his father's first name.

"And anyway...I still have support. Aphrodite and Victore will always be here to aid me, and Nicholai here..." she said, smiling down to the young man, "hasn't left my side since you told him the news last night. He even slept in my bed last night to make sure I was okay...you need to live your own life Aleks, you need to continue to support Kiko and your friends. The time will come that Nicholai will receive the crown and you will wear the rightful crown that is your destiny," she finished. Aleks just looked at her, a small smile coming over his features that wasn't quite as pained as he had looked moments ago. Walking forward, he brought his mother into a hug, and she wrapped her arms around him as they remained that way for a good minute. Pulling back, Aleks spoke softly. "I'm lucky to have such strong women in my life," he said, smiling as he let his gaze fall over to Kiko. Minako let a happy smile across her face, then nodded to the entire group of people that had formed around them, the others having made their way through the crowd and standing near. "I have to make preparations for tomorrow's coronation, excuse me," she said, breaking out of the circle and walking away with Nicholai in hand and Aphrodite next to her.

Aleks was about to say something before he realized Victore was still standing there. The man had needle straight shoulder length brown hair and piercing green eyes as he smiled at Aleks, then spoke in his husky but soft voice. "Well, by orders of the dead guy, I have a party to bring you guys to," he said with a smile. Aleks just gave him a surprised look. "A party? Are you kidding?" he asked, his voice registering the shock of the moment. Victore just laughed a little, patting Aleks' shoulder. "You didn't know your father like I did...he once said that when he passed, he wanted the people he loved to celebrate his life, not mourn his passing when the time came, and now that he's in his tomb, it's time to live it up celebrating his life, which includes a hell of a lot of dancing and drinking," he said, and Aleks just rolled his eyes. He never understood how is prim and proper father had a best friend like Victore, but sometimes there was a side of someone that certain people would never see. Aleks turned to the group, shrugging his shoulders. "Would you guys be fine with that?" he asked.

Sno gave a worried look, and Victore caught it before she could even ask the question. "Kids have a different event to go to, don't worry," he said, and Toketsu gave an exasperated look. "I'm not a-" he began saying before Sno covered his mouth, giving him a look to shush him. The boy just huffed, crossing his arms as the woman pulled her arm away. "Well, if it's what he wanted, we would be grateful to help honor his wishes," she said, feeling weird about being grateful to attend a party for someone that had just died. Kesiom on the other hand was worried, but chose not to voice it. He had never really been to a party, and in all technicality, he was 18 years old and never had a drink in his life, and if memory served correctly he couldn't drink anyway. He'd just not drink he thought, but a party was still a weird concept for him.

[shigatsusan]

Ⓚⓘⓚⓞ ◦ кєιкσ ◦ ΥѲЯΊ ◦ ʝȋʀɸϑ

xxxxWhen Aleks didn't respond, Kiko left the question hanging in the air while the funeral continued on. She felt a little out of place, standing with Aleks and his family and those very close to the King, but if Aleks needed her here she would be. Not to mention, a part of her knew how important it was for Yori to be apart of his grandfather's final moments on earth. She followed the rest of the family in silence, feeling her eyes p***k with tears as the man was finally placed to rest. When the tomb closed, Kiko glanced at Aleks. He had a look on his face that could break even the coldest of hearts, and Kiko let a tear slip past her eyes, quickly wiping it away before it reached her cheek. She would be strong. She felt a hand in hers, looking over to see Yori standing beside her watching the place where Artemis has just been laid to rest, his face as flat as stone.

xxxxKeiko wasn't overly emotional but she was far more in touch with herself than her sister. So it wasn't too odd she found herself holding back tears when watching the glorious casket disappear inside the tomb. She didn't even know this man, and yet she knew the people around him and felt their pain for them. She rested her cheek against Kesiom's shoulder as they walked closer to Aleks and Kiko as the funeral finished. Jirou had been quite the entire time, not even bothering to motion to Toketsu when he caught the boy fidgeting with his gloves once or twice during the proceedings. He was focused on the casket, the ceremony. Being a warrior himself, there was immense pride in death on the battlefield. He bowed his head, paying silent respects before following the rest of the group over toward Kiko and one of the men who had spoken just as he mentioned a party.

xxxx"A party?" Even though Victore explained a little bit on the King's wish of a celebration of his life, Kiko still had a hard time digesting it. It sounded like something she would do; she'd rather not have everyone she loved and cared about boo-hooing over her death, but rather celebrating and having a good old time remembering the better parts of her life. A quick look to the others, who all seemed a bit surprised bu not totally against the idea, and Kiko had on a light smile, "Lets get this party started, then!"

[Sno Magicka]

Α ℓєкsαи∂єя ● K єsισм ● S иσ ● H ιкαяα ● T σкєтsυ

Aleks nodded. "Looks like we're on board...where is the party at?" he asked, running through the various places he had attended parties back in his teens in the castle. Victore just smiled a devious smile. "I'll come retrieve you guys in 15 minutes, go back to your rooms, get dressed in the clothes I had Mitzy get together for you, and meet outside..." he said, then pointed towards Sno, "blue beauty's room, alright?" he said, and Sno gave him an eyebrow up. Apparently this man displayed the more...obnoxious side of the element of Venus, but she pushed it to the side. Victore gave the group a big smile and a silly salute before walking off, and Aleks motioned for everyone to follow, considering he was the only one who knew his way around the palace.

Back inside the castle, the three children were immediately rounded up by Aphrodite, who had already managed to change, reminding the boys of their promise to Nicholai to play and insisting Hikara come along. The girl simply shrugged her agreement...she spent her entire life growing up with two boys who were practically her brothers, one actually her cousin, so it didn't phase to spend an evening with three of them. Aleks nodded to the woman and gave Yori a hug before heading off toward the bedrooms. The man dropped everyone off the other couples at their appropriate rooms, and as he walked inside his bedroom with Kiko, he saw the outfits Victore had mentioned laying on the bed. Walking over, he looked at the few items scattered about, then picked the dress up that was obviously for Kiko. "I'm really looking forward to this," he said, shooting her a teasing grin. He wanted to take his mind off the days events, and what was better than Kiko in a hot dress dancing at a party, right?

Sno thanked Aphrodite as Toketsu got pulled away for their play date, giving the boy a kiss to his forehead as Aleks lead her and Jirou to their room. Once they were in, their outfits were on the bed, and the first thing she noticed was the bottoms for Jirou. Picking the jeans up, she gave him a perplexed but ever so sarcastic glance. "Have you ever worn jeans before?" she asked, meaning for it to be sarcastic but realizing the words came out serious. She had never seen Jirou in jeans, and she wasn't sure he owned any at all.

Before they left the children, Hikara gave both her parents a massive group hug, one that was tight enough to cause Kesiom to cough. He simply hugged in return, then turned to follow with Keiko back to their rooms. As they came into their room, he saw their outfits laid out and saw how simple his outfit was, something he was glad for. He was already nervous as it was, but then noticed Keiko's dress, giving her a glance. "How am I suppose to keep myself from doing terrible things with you in that?" he asked, an honestly exasperated look on his face. He was genuinely worried already, and then her outfit was just going to tempt him all night. "But that's probably the point of it all..." he said in a more quiet tone. Taking a deep breath, he clenched his fingers a few times in an attempt to loosen his nerves.

[[ Had tons of fun making their outfits. ^.^ ]]

[shigatsusan]

Ⓚⓘⓚⓞ ◦ кєιкσ ◦ ΥѲЯΊ ◦ ʝȋʀɸϑ

xxxxJirou's brows dipped at Victore as he made a final comment before leaving the group. He was a gentleman, Jirou wasn't about to go and talk back to someone he didn't know, someone he imagined to be his superior. But he did make sure to glare lightly at the man's back until he was no longer in sight.

xxxxKiko let Yori go off after a quick pat on the head (much to the boy's dismay) before heading back to Aleks' room. Once there, she felt ten times more relieved than she had felt that morning. The funeral had gone well, as well as a funeral could go anyway, and they were planning a celebration in honor of the King. When her eyes caught sight of the dress, Kiko's tension came back just a tad. She had never worn something like that, but wouldn't deny it was pretty. As much as she tried to deny it sometimes, she was a girl. The flats made her smile, and she shot a cheeky grin at Aleks. "I'm looking forward to drinking." she laughed.

xxxxJirou wasn't big on goodbyes, so he gave a solid nod of his head to Toketsu before they parted ways. Back in their room, Jirou noted the clothes as well, realizing now why the girl who'd made their clothing was so energetic. She must have never slept, to be able to pull all of this together. He had similar thoughts as Sno, and shrugged, "Once or twice? jeans usually never fit him right, but once again, these were tailored to his exact specifications.

xxxxLike the others, Keiko was looking forward to a little party. It said a lot about Aleks' father, his wish being for those closest to him to enjoy his life and not mourn for it. It was something they all needed, too. Once back in their room, Keiko glanced over yet another breath taking dress, and a very sharp outfit for Kesiom as well. She picked up her dress and examined it, sending a soft smile at Kesiom when he spoke, "Just try and stay a gentleman and save it for the evening, hnn?" she came over to him, kissing him on the cheek before rounding his form to head to the bathroom.

[Sno Magicka]

Α ℓєкsαи∂єя ● K єsισм ● S иσ

Aleks couldn't help but laugh at Kiko's comment. "Of course...that means I might need to do something right now though," he said, and in the next moment he was directly in front of her, his hand lacing through the hair on the back of her head as he tilted her face towards him, his lips meeting hers in a couple of firey, intense kisses. Letting his forehead rest against hers, he let out a breath of exhilaration from the kisses, smiling at her deviously. "It wouldn't be very gentleman like for me to have my way with a girl who's drunk after all," he said, then let his lips connect with hers once more.

Sno smiled at the comment, then looked at the other parts of his outfit. "This is going to be weird, the most casual I've ever seen you," she said, running her hand along the pattern of his shirt. Giving him another smile, she turned her attention to her own outfit, a bigger smile coming forth as she looked at the dress. "That is really cute...oh," she said, her last word coming out at the sight of the heels. In the back of her mind, a conversation from another time came back to her. When her and Jirou had first met, when he had saved her from Kesiom's attack, she remembered how formal he was around her, how he was so taken by his duty and wouldn't stop calling her princess and bowing constantly. That part made a small half smile to come to her lips, but then, when they had been waiting at the bench for the bus...when she had talked about how she couldn't be very princess like because of her lack of talent in walking in heels, and Jirou had been there to support her verbally, telling her it wasn't, by far, the most important trait a princess could have. This caused her smile to grow from the fondness of the thought, and she whispered something without really even thinking about it. "My support..." she breathed out, one of her hands touching the pair of heels now.

Kesiom smiled and nodded at her comment before his brow furrowed. "When you say save it for the evening..." he said to her retreating figure, his mind trying too damn hard to discern exactly what she meant. Kesiom had already started to disassemble his own outfit, his jacket already off as his fingers pulled at the knot of the tie at his neck.