Chapter 20: The Day of Vows

The sun rose slowly over the horizon, casting a warm golden light that spilled into the rooms of the hotel, marking the beginning of a day they had all long anticipated. Excitement crackled in the air like static, infusing each moment with a sense of magic and anticipation. Today was the day—Usagi and Rei’s wedding day. In Mario’s hotel room, laughter and spirited banter filled the air as the boys gathered around, an assortment of suits and ties sprawled across beds and chairs. Ash, Mario, Luigi, Shingo, and Kenji busily prepared themselves for the big event. "Hey, who’s got the tie-tying skills?" Shingo joked, holding up a series of ties in vibrant colors. "You mean who’s going to look the worst?" Ash countered, smirking as he pulled on his tuxedo jacket with a flourish. Mario chuckled, playfully bumping shoulders with him. "Just remember to keep it classy, gentlemen. We are celebrating love here!" Luigi, ever the supportive brother, chimed in with an excited grin. "And we need to look sharp for the brides! Don’t forget, it’s their big day too!" Meanwhile, across the hall in Usagi’s hotel room, a flurry of preparation was underway with the girls gathered in a whirl of shimmering fabrics and laughter. Ikuko artfully arranged the bouquet, while Makoto and Minako debated the best hairstyle for Usagi, each offering their unique suggestions with playful enthusiasm. "What about braids?" Makoto suggested, holding up some hairpins. "We can weave in some flowers for a touch of elegance!" "Or loose waves!" Minako countered, dancing around the room, mimicking a model walking down an imaginary runway. "Usagi would look amazing like that!" Ami, who had taken a moment to step back and observe, chuckled softly. “Both styles would suit her beautifully. But let’s not forget the most important part—making her feel like a princess today.” Chibiusa, bouncing on her toes with the kind of excitement only a flower girl can have, brightly exclaimed, “I can’t wait to see Usagi in her dress! She’ll look just like a fairy tale!” As they prepped, Usagi’s heart raced, a mix of nerves and excitement bubbling within her. Today, they would step into a new chapter of their lives. Feeling bold, she turned to her friends, a conspiratorial glimmer in her eyes. “Okay, everyone! Hands in! Let’s make a pact to support one another today!” They all gathered around, hands huddled together, and chanted in unison. “For love, for friendship, for Usagi and Rei!” In her own room, Rei stood in the quiet, allowing the stillness to seep into her being. She carefully fastened her dress, the fabric hugging her form perfectly, each layer a reflection of her own strength and grace. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and smiled, feeling the thrill of anticipation brewing within her. A soft knock on the door interrupted her reverie. It was Ami, holding a small box. "I brought you something special, Rei. A little good luck charm for the day." Rei opened the box to find a delicate hairpin shaped like a crescent moon, adorned with tiny simulated diamonds. "Ami, this is beautiful! Thank you! It’s perfect for me." She carefully placed the pin in her hair, feeling a surge of confidence as she admired herself once more. The morning continued, filled with laughter, joy, and a sense of camaraderie as all the preparations came together. The excitement reached a crescendo as the girls helped each other into their dresses, the fabric swirling around them like clouds of silk. As the clock to the ceremony ticked down, one thing was abundantly clear: love was in the air, and there was no turning back now. The day they had all awaited was unfolding, with promises of magic and memories yet to be created.