She stood at the altar, her perfect white dress clinging to the curves of her thin body. There were long chains of lace, simple pearls, and pale scallops all over it. Long locks of curly blonde hair fell over her shoulders and down her back. Her bright gray-blue eyes shone, and her smile was radiant, able to light up the whole room.

There was no time for her to notice the man that stood beside her, though there was a proper elegance and richness to him. His hair was clean and tamed, and he wore little jewelry, which was enough of a shock before the young woman even noticed that he was wearing a suit. If she had looked, she would have smiled even brighter and looked truly happy.

Her father, whom she hadn't spoken to in the past 5 years, stood just behind and to the left of her, watching with a forced approval. He hadn't wanted to be here, yet here he was. He and the groom had a talk earlier, so the elder male had come to an agreement. Today wasn't about his hatred for the past, his dislike for the groom. It was about his daughter and her wedding.

The young woman listened as the pastor read the familiar vows and typical wedding ramble. She seemed to be growing distant. A ringing penetrated her ears and she had to close her eyes. It was all she could do not to scream.

"Celesta Marie Gray, do you take Niku Ramen Wentworth to be your lawfully wedded husband..." the pastor had begun, and he finished the speech that was traditional. The young woman had never heard it.

"NO!" she screamed, covering her ears and falling to her knees. "No. No no no..."

Everyone sitting around, the whole couple dozen people, gasped in unison. The blonde haired girl screamed again, tears forming in her closed eyes and escaping, rolling down her cheeks. Her father knew what was going on, yet he stood just behind and to the left of her.

"Raphael..." her voice was weak, wavering, and whiny. "No, my Raphael..."

Slowly, as if dazed, she tried to stand up, shaking worse than her voice. She stumbled a bit, but took a couple steps forward. Her eyes were open now, wide and bright, and still filled with tears. Her gaze was asphyxiated on some distant figure that happened to be near the cross with the crucified Jesus Christ. It was almost fitting.

Niku watched his soon-to-be bride in her daze. He had heard about her past, yet he still loved her more than anything in the world. They had taken in his young cousin, promised to raise her. She was a wonderful mother, patient and loving, even if the child was a bit of a brat. All of a sudden, he felt a pang of guilt, his own past coming back to haunt him.

"... I understand." It seemed like whatever had the young woman's attention and she had come to an agreement of some sort. "I... I miss you too." Another long pause, the eyes of every witness and guest still captivated by the pale woman. "Yes... he's good people, Raphael..."

She finally brought her gaze back to level and looked right at Niku, smiling. "He's very good people... I'm happy. I promise you that much... I'm happy now." Another pained look flashed across Niku's face. That was all the confirmation he needed, other than the name dropping. He knew exactly what was going on.

Her gaze shifted again, looking to her father. "He's fine... he forgives me. He forgives you, too." Then she looked to the pastor, the clearness coming back to her eyes. She smiled and shook her head. Her head was less fuzzy and she looked perfectly normal again.

"... I do."