Chapter Theme Music: Beauty ~ Bryan El81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizGaoJuvRR
<12/01/2011 - 19:30 | Altiri Temple, Karnak Gravity Well, Unity Controlled Space>
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After I drowned my senses into Lumina, she took her place on the circular platform behind the frozen platform. The queen placed herself behind the small stand, and waited on the two of us to prepare. After Lumina asked me if I was ready for this, I slowly inhaled, reminding myself of every second of time I've spent with her as a means to calm my nerves and synchronize me with the moment. After I confirmed it, Lumina nodded to the queen for visual cue to get started.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhKrsZIYPJ
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"Lumina. Reed. You have both been summoned here today, to celebrate and declare official marriage proposals to each other. I, acting as queen, will generate full documentation, which will be legally binding in both our worlds. This documentation will be saved to the Altiri's digital database. Based on Lumina's earlier submission, I have prepared the vows to you thus owe each other. Lumina. Are you prepared for this?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EKJ3ViMTC
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"Yes. Yes I am." I couldn't see it from her side, but Lumina was about to start crying once more from how happy this moment already made her. She knew what would come next, and braced herself for the ultimate sacred vow.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbIHXqicJO
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"Lumina? Do you accept your husband to be, the man you shall marry for the purpose of love and prosperity? Do you intend to stay with him for as long as you both may live, to work together with Reed facing any adversity, and supporting him through any conflict of utmost objective intentions? And do you accept the responsibility that your fiancé will beseech of you in all of the days to come?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4zg9hB2ce
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"Yes." Lumina spoke proudly and happily, as the words held our hearts together.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PNsSWEutD
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"And Reed?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMcx1AWFBc
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"Yes, great queen?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaxv4BCDD0
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"You and Lumina have come a long way, despite the difficulties you've both faced in the coming summers that exist in your current residence. Yet before all of us today, you stand ready, already hath proposed to Lumina for marriage. Do you, Reed, promise in truth to remain in love and devoted to Lumina? Do you accept, despite the possibilities of future situations stirring conflict, even if between each other, to remain caring and loyal to Lumina for as long as you both may live, disregarding which planet you are stuck on? And do you promise to help Lumina with any great adversity that may hinder or befall her behavior or her physical situation; to demonstrate that which you both consecutively agree to be the love and care you would each demonstrate to soul mates?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsMnYMH7rj
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Her words were a mouthful, but thanks to my mental preparation and having expected this, I already knew what to say in return. "Yes, I do. I accept Lumina as my absolute and only soul mate for all of eternity, even if death tires to tear us apart."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdceoyFvMDA
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The queen waited for a couple of seconds, looking at as both like she was too proud for words. "Lumina. You are hereby officially married to Reed, and are now his wife in legal documentation and law, set in accordance by The Unity. You currently have the option to change or alter your legal name to befit your new title. Would you like to make such a change?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWOO0LnuH1
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"I'm content with the way my name is now." Given Lumina's answer, the queen was mute for a moment, wondering if she should have even asked.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshmPCvtvkl
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I knew why she did; all human marriages do this. People have the option of adding or combining last names in the legal process. Since Lumina (as all Altiri) has no last name while I (as all humans) do, the option came up for whether I would combine my last name to Lumina's first name. The thing is, we already talked it over, and decided not to change anything. I don't need a last name to know who my wife is, but I know my cue to interject was now. "Don't worry. Lumina and I already talked about the idea. Lumina sees her name as sacred in identity, and I kind of feel the same way for myself, so we're both cool with it." Names don't have to change just because other humans are accustomed to it.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQGVU1Nh24
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"Very well," the queen accepted. "The offer was optional anyway... Reed? You are hereby officially married to Lumina, and are now her husband in legal documentation and law, in accordance by The Unity. This statement will conclude the official announcement. As of 19:32, December 1st, 2011, Reed and Lumina are now officially married by Altiri law."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuhICyRE0E
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I wanted to jump up to the ceiling with my fist in the air for celebration, but Lumina beat me to it, the both of us cheering at once, "Awesome!"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWF87ksm44n
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By now, the others surrounding us started clapping and cheering for us too, while the queen appeared visibly relaxed. "If you two were here with us in person, I would let this be the moment to ask Reed to kiss the bride. However, that is unfortunately not possible given your circumstances. But one day, when Reed is transperated into this world with us, we can support a secondary ceremony for the purpose of experience."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G6jwbioAA
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"I know." The sad reminder put Lumina down just bit, but I fought to keep her spirits as high as mine.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXgUV7fpv3
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"Well it's still okay with me. Lumina and I still love each other more than anything in the entire world. That's all that matters right now. I don't have to have a physical relationship with Lumina in order to give her such affection. Lumina? I love you. I will always love you forever."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsQKKURNT4
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Lumina couldn't hold back her tears of wholesomeness anymore, and I started to cry a little in sympathy. "I love you too Reed, forever." Her friends all let out a few "Oooh's" and "Awh's," for what was said. I knew now that we both just made each other the happiest couple in the universe. We both felt so high up, that nothing would ever tear down this moment.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVN39tGCts
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I was proud of myself too, for going through with it all. Before I agreed to those vows, the tiniest glint of uncertainty tried to bother me. Now, I knew the worry I had locked away would vanish forever on its own. I can finally say it with meaning and fulfillment! Lumina and I are married! Lumina and I are husband and wife! Lumina and I are absolute soul mates, all details and consequences be ignored. Nobody can change that now. Nobody can take this moment away from us, no matter the words or actions.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZaNHyC77H
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Speaking more calmly and casually, the queen scooting a little closer to address me. "Reed? I shall remind you that given the circumstances of this marriage, the official signet and documentation may only appear as valid in the nation of The Unity, since we hold all physical data in this primary proximity. You should not inform the government of your world that you are married to Lumina, less they most likely dismiss your claim, and chant this moment to be an illegal or fake marriage."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINSpWRkwaR
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"Yeah, I know." No matter who I wanted to tell on Earth, nobody would recognize this as a real marriage, but I know already that the Altiri really exist. People can say what they want, but if it's real here, it's real everywhere. I'm married to Lumina, no matter where my body resides. This isn't fake to me, and I'll never consider it so.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4c73kNhTQ
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"I know you might feel like you want the whole world to know about it right now, but Lumina is the person you must devote your time to. However, hear my words Reed. Just because a marriage occurs in one area of the world, doesn't mean that marriage is invalidated everywhere else. Other humans may never come to believe anything you tell them should it relate to us or to this moment, but rest assured, everything that has been happening to you is very much alive. Anyone who thinks we don't exist is simply fooling themselves. No matter what other humans tell you on Earth, your devotion to Lumina and the marriage you have engaged in has been observed by all of us in this room. Nobody can deny that with a truthful acclimation."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYRNgDozrp
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I knew it was so already, but hearing those words from somebody else meant the world to me still. All of this, everything I sense through Lumina is all reality, and everything back in my world, no matter how bleak is also reality. They coexist together, merged as one. I knew I could never fault a human for not understand this, but I'll never let anyone tell me all of this is fake; they don't have the right; they don't know who I am or what I've been through. "Thank you, Altiri Queen. Thank you for everything, for setting all of this up. I am most grateful."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB12fY6Dp7q
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The queen delivered more of her thoughts on the matter to me, unsatisfied with all that was currently left unsaid. "In the beginning of your purge, I had personal doubts that anything good would come of this situation. However, Lumina was confident enough in her abilities, her emotions, and her faith in you, to prove your innocence to our council, and to me. It is as you said; she really did save you from turning into some kind of monster, threatened by the assaults of social pressure to turn into somebody else. You were never a heathen to begin with, and because of her love to you, you've grown into an even better person than you were before, perhaps the best version of yourself. It brings a lovely realization to my heart, having the proof before my very eyes that not all human males are classified as heathens. Lumina? You and Reed have my personal blessing."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8RkY988F3
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Wiping away the tears in her eyes, Lumina let herself float on this magical sensation. "Thank you... All of you." She turned around, addressing everybody else in the room who was here to witness the wedding. And then, we felt the weight of our body crumble down from gravity; Lumina collapsed onto the floor below her, barely managing to break her own fall with her knees and wrists.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuHgrZb018
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"Lumina!" Everybody including myself shouted in fear for what just happened, as Lumina's friends and sisters immediately rushed in to check on her. Junko examined her first and thoroughly, trying to help her stand back up again.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkrTfFROA7
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"Lumina, what's wrong?!"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG01XZ32mKx
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"Lumina! She's..." I didn't know what was happening either. For a brief moment, all of her senses darkened before coming back on again.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1GQlyi6vY
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"I'm fine, really." Lumina wasn't fooling anybody, and her sudden lack of energy had me worried beyond all panic. It's too unlike any Altiri person to have balancing issues, let alone coming so close to passing out like that. They never get sick! They never need sleep! So what caused her to fall like that?81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86h8Mqm0vP
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Junko held a fresh bottle of water to her lips, ensuring that Lumina drank as much of as possible. When Lumina didn't fight the urge to slam down the water swiftly, it confirmed what Junko had suspected. "I knew it. This ordeal is draining you much faster than you had predicted earlier."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMlAo5K1wV
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"You mean, the way the connection is being boosted by all of her saved up energy, that's what's causing this?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9x65rHCLp
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"Yes," Junko confirmed for everyone to hear. "The problem is, there isn't much remaining saved energy for her to use."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQuCYUFHQ5
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"I'll be okay if I sip more water and sit down for a while."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhquBc8WTu
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"Lumina..." Junko wasn't convinced it would be that simple, and the look of concern in her eyes twisted my insides until I came to my own separate conclusion.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEyXaQ2yGu
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"All of this special focus, this amazing ability to use all of her senses from the telepathic amplification, it's draining her more than her regeneration can support. Lumina, you've been shouldering most of the psionic load the entire time, haven't you? It's only going to get better once we stop this."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2CqJEN3VV
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"Reed, this isn't the time for—"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmweH9K7zwo
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"Of course it isn't!" I cut Junko off, letting her know how important Lumina's health was to me as it was to everyone here. "Lumina? This has been fun, but it's time for you to stop boosting the connection now. Give it a break. I don't need to be there in real time for every single moment. Our vows and official announcements are already made."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hB6NwYx4B
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"But Reed, are you sure?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7R0rWCuOah
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How could Lumina even ask me that in her state? It's all too clear that her passive ability is taking too much out of her, despite her sudden upkeep on the water. "Of course Lumina! You deserve to take it easy now."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTESQo2mBa
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"Okay..." She listened to me, making the sudden decision on her own to reallocate both our psionic loads where they should be. As soon as she did, despite my currently level of concentration, all the world around me shifted back to the inside of my own room, this time leaving no visual trace of her surroundings. I knew that she was still there, that the connection was still alive and active. By shutting off the passive boost to the link, I could no longer feel through Lumina's senses, but it was a willing price to pay for her safety and recovery. I endured the change of scenery, as well as the sudden strain to my own mental energy. The moment she stopped using her ability, it became noticeably difficult for me to keep up on my end.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMml5vIZdun
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"Thank you Reed. Lumina really needs a rest."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcCP4eVdx0
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I could still hear Junko and the others, since the connection existing was still so strong, but I was certain they would no longer hear my voice as they would before. Lumina only needs to rest and relax, huh? That's easy enough. "It's okay Lumina."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhH9QGNJ8u
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"Indeed. I'm personally impressed that Lumina managed to last this long, considering no Altiri before her has ever presented such a strong amplification before today. Then again, she has always been so strong, all of you Cy-Stars have."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPFQOFYlK8
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The queen's words didn't bring total comfort to Lumina, as she sat up drinking more water with the help of Junko. Her other friends were trying to help her too, but Junko made sure she had her space as well.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgysCVTjKu
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"Lumina..."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpIQHBDBP7
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"I'll be okay Reed. I just need some time..." She couldn't even finish her own sentence, struggling to stay conscious and well in all of this. It was clear to all of us that she drained too much of her psionic energy too quickly.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0VnQo2aOy
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"Hm... Perhaps we should disconnect completely until you've made a full and proper recovery. The connection isn't weak where I am, but you've exhausted yourself beyond the passive recovery point with any connection."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsIloLbnJB
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Junko thanked me for understanding, even though her gratitude was based on the words she last heard me speak. "Reed? I thank you for helping improve her rate of recovery. Sorry if you wanted more time with her after all this."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKgmxLbZd0
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"But Reed, you don't have to—"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCjCd5IPSw
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"It's okay Lumina." I cut her off before she could argue, understanding exactly how she felt to want to spend every second with me. Being apart hurt us so much, even if for such a little amount of time, but I knew we could trust the future. "We're married now Lumina! You made it all the way to the end. We can pick up on the rest of the details in our next connection. Winter is still only beginning in Georgia after all."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VVvkjY63J
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"I... Thank you." Finally understanding why I had to do this, Lumina accepted the situation that was to come, relaxing with her faith in me.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMMJpngXTT
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The queen smiled after realizing Lumina would be okay after all. "It seems that both of you are already capable of demonstrating great objective care for one another. Reed? Lumina will be fine after she takes it easy, though it could take a day or two. Stay safe out there."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykE6QgNl3a
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"Yes, my great queen. I will."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpW3JMsh00e
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Junko was still examining all of Lumina's body, looking for signs I had no idea of. I got the sense that Junko knew how to medically examine other people for this sort of thing. "You will obviously need a lot more time to recover than anticipated. You might not be yourself even hours after disconnecting from him. So, I'll go ahead and pilot the ship back to corral position for you."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMH7glCut6
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"Yes, that would be most wise," the queen agreed. "I'll have Julara see you off as insurance. I must attend to my personal team in the meantime, as the temple must be redecorated to its original state. Please excuse me."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysn4Rypana
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"I love you Reed." She spoke to me with the most assurance and solace I've ever heard from her. Then, a few seconds later, Lumina shut her eyes, concentrating on another skill we both shared. Without any other words to part, Lumina severed the connection between us, removing the psionic link bringing both our senses and realities together.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujfWdKOWrI
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After she did, I knew I was totally alone in my own room. "I love you too Lumina." Even though she didn't hear me say it this time, I knew she would feel it from here. It's the truth in life I've always been searching for. She totally completed me, fulfilled me, and energized every part of who I am. She can't hear me right now, but I know Lumina understands how much I love her.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BlB9aBYhm
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The building silence tried to further remind me how isolated I was physically, but I chose to focus on a better emotion instead; the happiness of our strongest bond. I assured myself that Lumina would recover in a decent amount of time. Soon enough, I'll be hanging out with her again just like before, just like we always do. It's what we do best, and it's now something that will never change. I knew I was doing the right thing. This feeling in my heart is proof that I'm doing the right thing making us both so happy. It doesn't matter how many dark days may be ahead of us. Lumina and I still have each other, and together, we'll blast through any challenge that awaits us. This is a promise.
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