Graveyard of a Madman Part 55

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Today was the day! Both Chio and Usagi agreed that they would like all of the pirate crews and revolutionaries to attend their wedding and everyone pitched in somehow. All of the preparations were set, although, from what Timber, Mike, and Carson said, their ship was ready. This concept was absurd, it had only been one full day since they said they were going to build it in the first place, but they assured him that none of it was half done, it was all ready. However, there was very bad news as the Jollies were concerned. It seemed that this detour made them in very much need to leave, as much as they wanted to stay. Rinji, of course, was flabbergast to say the least, and tried to reason with Chris, but there was no time, they had to gather what they could for their journey, and go.

Usagi burst into Sakura's room, seeing that she was already done packing up her things.

Usagi: Sakura! Wait! Why do you need to leave right this moment? I wanted you to be my Maid of Honor!

Sakura wore her usual, dismal, blank expression as she closed her pack and put it over her shoulder, her sword already at her hip. She went up to Usagi, and put both of her hands on either side of Usagi's face.

Sakura: I am truly honored that you would give me such a prestigious position in one of the happiest days of your life, however, it cannot be as such. The captain says we must be going, and unfortunately, he is right. We must be going.

Usagi gazed at Sakura through wavering vision as her eyes were obscured by tears that built up at an uncontrollable rate.

Usagi: But... why? Why do you need to leave right now? Why on my wedding day? Please, Sakura!

Usagi embraced Sakura, tears free flowing down her face as she clung to her with both arms, and her head rested on the black-haired woman's shoulder. She wept in the open at that moment, and over a length of time Sakura shared her embrace from her dear friend. The weight of all of their endeavors since that day they met in a dream, they had been through so much, and came so far as warriors that it truly was a shame that they should part under such circumstances.

Sakura: Usagi, my dear friend, [Held her shoulders and extended her softly in front of her at arm's length.] I don't know if we will ever see one another again, but I will never forget you, as I know you will do the same for me. Take what I have taught you, take it with you through your life and grow from it. That is all we can do. After all, we're only human.

With that, she kissed Usagi on her forehead, and they shared a very low bow.

The Jolly Pirates gave a heartfelt farewell to their comrades, and boarded their ship. All of the pirates who fought beside them stood on the shore as the ship disappeared over the horizon, thus bringing an end to the union of the Nightmare Coalition. That was, however, when the wedding bells began to ring.

---

The overwhelming sorrow of saying goodbye to their friends was easily overridden when the Tiger-Stripe Pirates first stepped onto the beach, and all of the Marimo Pirates removed their blindfolds, showing them their brand new ship.

Rinji was absolutely speechless, Chio had stars in his eyes, Usagi's jaw dropped down into the sand, Alice's heart fluttered, and even Miko Nikk's eyes widened as she laid eyes on their beautiful new vessel.