This is something I've been writing to amuse myself, but I thought I'd share it because I enjoy it so much. This takes place between Janovah 3 and 4, and tells the story in the seven years that pass in that time. Rather than reading like a book like the other stories, it jumps between scenes. It's sorta like reading a movie. :D

AND YES, BEYONCE REFERENCE, GOTTA KEEP IT REAL, GIRL. No shits given.

Janovah: The Golden Age

Part 1: In Darkness and Prosperity

I watched silently as Samos paced back and forth across the room. My eyes were locked on him, and my hand lay perched on my belly. The small bump was growing. It was time to tell, because very soon I would be unable to hide it. We had been discussing wedding plans, and he was now stroking his long white beard while clunking in his log shoes around and around nervously while rambling.

"Too fast," he insisted. "I would agree it would be a joyous occasion for the city and it would speak for your family values, but thinking of your future, it's much too soon. There are other things to focus on. And you might want this now, but you're young and easily changeable."

My gaze shifted on to Onin. Although blind, her white, empty eyes were locked on me. I knew that she knew. Her gaze was almost disdainful. Pecker was perched atop her head, his eyes following Samos' pacing like clockwork, only pausing for an occasional yawn, trying to nudge at the idea that he was bored and just wanted a nap.

"There's no reason to rush into this, Janovah," he said. "There's always time for this later. He's not going anywhere, you know."

"Yes there is," I said quietly. My eyes dropped to the floor. The clunking stopped. I felt all eyes on me. I looked up at them; Samos stopped in his tracks, Onin still fixated on me, Pecker still bored, and Kat sitting quietly in the corner. She already knew; her face was of concern and sympathy. It was slightly comforting.

"I'm pregnant," I gasped.

Samos' mouth fell open. "You...what?" he said.

There was silence. I needed to say something to stop this tension.

"Torn's the father," I explained. "I'm only maybe twelve weeks along."

"Do you realize what you have done?" Samos breathed. "What kind of shame this would bring onto you if this were revealed? Even if you married him tomorrow, how would you explain a term sized baby that's supposed to be twelve weeks premature? And given what kind of tremendous physical trauma you have put your body through, I'm shocked you didn't miscarry. You're not ready for this. The physical trauma, emotional trauma of the last couple of years...how could you possibly be equipped to deal with a child?"

"She could terminate," Kat said. She looked at me again. "I know you wouldn't, but I'm just putting that out there. I think Samos might be right...I mean, we're all so lost. I know how much Torn wants this, I see the way he looks at you, but there is time for this in the future. We have a future now, as impossible as that seems. He would understand, he loves you."

"I can't do that," I said. "This future wouldn't be possible without this baby. I would still be under the curse or worse. It saved us all, it wouldn't be fair to end its life before it's even begun, considering everything it's done for us."

"I can't believe this," Samos mumbled. His eyes fell to the floor. "We will have to make this wedding happen fast, then. It's only proper, even if people will talk. We'll have to work even harder to earn credibility now, considering the opposition."

"Opposition?" I asked.

"There are those who are calling out for the abolition of the monarchy," he said. "In favor of a more democratic government. They want the leader to be elected rather than chosen based on birth."

"If they held these elections," I said. "Could I win? Would I have a chance?"

"Not at all," he said. "You are their enemy. As far as they're concerned, you're a child with no experience on puppet strings."

"Not far from the truth," I mumbled.

"Excuse me?" he said, his temper rising. "If it weren't for our guidance, where do you think you'd be? They would have overthrown you a long time ago. Seeing as you just admitted to premarital and unprotected fornication resulting in an accidental pregnancy, our guidance is still very well needed."

"What I do or don't do with my body shouldn't be anyone's business," I said.

"Everything you do is everyone's business," he said. "You're the icon, the face of our city. You're the representation of Haven City's moral fiber, the heart and soul. It's your job to provide them with hope and happiness reflecting from your actions and your life."

"I sure do suck at my job," I said.

"You need to improve your attitude," he said. "And start conducting yourself in a proper manner, or else everything we worked so hard to build will be doomed."

Torn walked into the room quietly. As he came close to Samos, Samos took his large wooden cane and struck him over the head. Torn grabbed his head and howled.

"Fool!" Samos yelled. "Giving into your barbaric impulses! She is a child and my granddaughter, be thankful I didn't turn you into a rat like Daxter!" Samos struck him over the head once more and turned to leave. Torn sat on his knees, clutching his head.

"Come Kat, we're leaving," Samos said. He waved his cane and lifted Onin's perch with a stream of green eco, and guided it with him out of the room.

"Yes grandpa," she said, getting up. "I'll see you later Jan."

I smiled at her as she exited the room. Torn got up and sat down next to me.

"So I see you told him," he said, placing his arm around my shoulders.

"Yeah," I said. "I'll be dancing down the aisle in a poofy white dress in no time. Can't be a blushing bride with an illegitimate baby bump, I suppose."

"You're actually going to wear a dress? For me? I'm shocked!"

"Yeah, I'll do it," I sighed.

"Aren't you happy?" he said. "We have everything we ever wanted. Samos might be angry but it will blow over."

"I'm not happy," I said. "I don't know why. I just feel, helpless, somehow."

He gently gripped my chin with his thumb and forefinger and kissed me gently. I remembered one reason I was so unhappy; the warmth that once radiated my body with every touch was fading, slowly. It seemed there was a distance, growing day by day. The fluttering feeling deep in the pit of my gut was gone. Truth be told, at times, I began to doubt my love. I began to question if the marriage was really what I wanted. But I had no choice now. If I wanted to keep my child, I had to marry him. I couldn't do what I wanted now. I had to do what made everyone else happy.

I sat across from Kat at the dining table, just the two of us, alone in the massive hall, late at night. She was sipping a glass of wine, while I was drinking plain water. My uncertainty still clung to me.

"You look awfully gloom for someone about to get married tomorrow," she said. I shrugged.

"Could I tell you something?" I asked.

"I can't believe you're even asking," she said.

"I don't know if this is what I want," I said. "To be honest, if it weren't for my current situation, I probably wouldn't go through with it."

"But I thought you guys were sure?" she said. "It's all you were able to talk about a few weeks ago."

"The afterglow seems to be wearing off," I said. "Something is different now, between us. He seems to feel the same as he ever did but I...I just don't know anymore. I met him when I was sixteen, and I'm a different person now. But he's my first love, isn't this how it's supposed to be?"

"He might be your first love, but he probably won't be your last," she said. "I kinda saw this coming...we all did...but I didn't wanna pooh pooh on your happiness."

"What's happened to me?" I said.

"You grew up, we both did."

"I feel so much different than I did back then," I said. "Back when this all began, I was so innocent, so happy not knowing anything."

"Isn't growing up a bitch?" she said.

"No," I said. "It lets you see the truth. Happiness seems to be harder to come by, but it's real when it does. I know who I am, now. I just wish I knew what I wanted."

"I think you already do."

"I can't get out of marrying him," I said. "I made the choice to keep the baby and now I have to do what's right. For all of us."

"I would really hate to have your job," she said, jokingly.

"Tell me about it," I said. "I wish I could just throw him in the freezer and thaw him out when I'm ready to face this."

"This is your second wedding and you're still not happy," she smiled.

"Suck my dick," I said.

"Shave your balls first."

"Must be nice to be single," I said.

"99 problems but a bitch ain't one," she laughed. "All the single ladies, all the single ladies."

"Guess he liked me."

I stood in the mirror, looking at the monstrous, poofy, white gown clinging to my body. Whenever I took a step I could hear the material shifting.

"You're no fun at all," the fitter said jokingly. "I was told to expect resistance, even biting or scratching. But you just cooperated and acted completely indifferent."

I smiled. "Okay, if you try to put me in high heels, I'll poke your eyes out with them."

"That's more like it," she smiled. I appreciated her trying to humor me. "It's okay. I got you flats. You're tall enough as it is."

She handed me a pair of silver, flat sandal-like shoes. I slipped them on my feet. She placed the tiara and veil on my head.

"There," she said. "Now we have the full effect."

I looked at myself up and down. My hair was soft and flowing to my shoulders, with a braid circling my head. The dress fit well, accentuating curves I weren't aware were even there. The skirt fell past my ankles and extended out in a poofy curtain around my hips and legs. I looked like a faerie princess, certainly not what I was used to. Light, pastel make up was applied to my eyes and my face was evened out with foundation and blush. I looked like a legitimate blushing bride.

"I will make a dainty garland for my head and sing!" I laughed, making a ridiculous face.

"Most brides I dress cry their make up off three times with utter joy of the biggest day of their lives," she said. "You're about to marry your prince charming and you can't take it seriously. I love it."

"How can I take this seriously?" I said. "This is ridiculous. I'm not a poofy, crying bride."

"You're more of a naked in a field of flowers bride," she said.

"Exactly!" I said. "And my honeymoon should be a bed-in, where we lie around naked in bed for a month and do nothing but have lots of sex."

"I would love to do a naked wedding," she said. "I wish you would marry me."

I laughed hysterically. "If my grandfather heard us talking, he'd fire you immediately and lock me in a nunnery until I was 30."

"Good thing your sister was the one to hire the fitter," she said.

As though on cue, the door opened and shut as Kat walked through the door. My maid of honor was dressed in a light blue, flowing gown, and her red-brown hair was done up in beautiful curls. She was definitely a poofy, crying bride. This should have been her wedding, I thought.

"Oh wow!" she said. "Jan, you look so beautiful."

I stepped down off the pedestal and strode over to her. I embraced her in a quick hug.

"I was just talking to your friend here about how this should be a naked wedding," I said. The fitter laughed from the corner. "I think she's enraptured. She proposed."

"Tara!" Kat exclaimed. "Cheating on me with my sister! You disappoint me."

"Don't worry my love," Tara said. "One day I'll give you your poofy wedding but I want the honeymoon to be in Kras city, so we can scare the big bad race drivers with our lesbian love!"

"You guys aren't kidding, are you?" I asked.

"I figured since it was your wedding day, and today is all about love, it might be time to tell you."

Tara walked over and stood by Kat, taking her hand.

"This is my girlfriend," she said. "Please don't be mad. I know some people are on the fence about this."

"You lied to me," I said. "You can't sing 'Single Ladies'. Lesbian relationships still count."

"So you're not mad?" she asked.

"Not at all!" I said. "Love is love, and if what you have is real, I'll be happy to be your maid of honor when it's your turn. But just as long as I get to be naked."

She laughed with relief. "The hard part is, Mom and Grandpa would shit bricks. I think they'd disown me if we threw a naked gay wedding."

The door opened again. I turned to look; a young man, dressed in military garb, stepped through the door and shut it behind him. He began to walk towards me. He was very handsome. He was tall with short, dark hair, and piercing blue eyes. His smile was freakishly perfect. He stopped in front of me, took my hand and bowed to one knee. He kissed my hand. I could feel my fingers tingle with the contact. He stood back up and looked straight into my eyes. He was slightly taller than me, with his broad shoulders hovering over mine. I hardly noticed he still was holding my hand.

"Majesty," he said. "Might I say, you are quite breathtaking in your dress. It's an honor for me to walk you down the aisle today."

"Thank you," I said. "You must be the new general I approved. Lor, is it?"

"Yes madam," he said.

He let go of my hand and it fell limp by my side.

"I should go out to the altar now," I heard Kat say. As she exited the room I could hear her suppress a giggle.

"It's time," he said. "Shall we?" he offered me his arm.

I entwined my arm in his. He handed me a bouquet of white flowers that I held in my free hand. The large, double doors opened and the sun hit my eyes. There was a path in the middle covered by a long, blue carpet. Rows of seats lined each side. We began to slowly step forward. And then he whispered into my ear.

"You shouldn't be making bedroom eyes to another man on your wedding day." My ears tickled with his breath on my face. I smiled and gasped, and looked at him briefly.

"I was doing no such thing, General," I said. "You assume way too much and you are quite full of yourself."

"Am I?" he jokingly said. "Well I do apologize, madam."

I smiled and bit my lip.

At the end of the aisle, I could see Torn beaming at me. I was beaming too, but not because of him. We reached the platform. Lor turned to me and lifted my veil. My heart raced as my eyes connected with his again. I handed my bouquet off to Kat, and Lor gave my hand to Torn.

"Dear citizens of Haven City," the priest began. "We are here today to join our Queen and her beloved in the sanctity of marriage. For many years, this sacred tradition has brought our people together in joy. After the struggles of the years past, it has become more important than ever. Unity, love and compassion fill our hearts today as our graceful and omniscient Queen takes her vows binding her to whom she loves most. Now let us begin."

"Majesty," Torn began, in his raspy voice. "I have come to offer you my love and to ask for your hand in marriage. If you accept my plea, I will swear to forever love you, cherish you, and care for you in prosperity and darkness. Do you accept?"

I took a breath. "I do," I gasped.

"Queen Janovah, leader and governess of Haven City," the priest continued. "Do you swear to take this man as your one true lover, to honor and cherish for all the days of your life, to keep in prosperity and darkness, and to bring forth life?"

"Yes."

"By the authority given unto me by her majesty, I declare you married by the law of Haven City."

He pulled me forward into a kiss, his arms wrapping around my waist and clinging to my back. He ran his hands through my hair, his head leaning on mine.

"I love you," he whispered into my ear.

The musicians burst into a cheerful tune. He grasped my hand, his fingers curling around mine. We turned and began to walk back into the palace.

Once inside, the doors shut behind us. We stood in the empty hall alone. An awkward silence filled the air.

"You're beautiful," he said.

"Thank you," I said.

"You don't look happy."

"I am happy. I couldn't be happier."

The door from the other end of the room opened abruptly. I could see my mother, Keira, practically running over to me.

"Oh, my heart is breaking!" She squealed. "That was so beautiful. My two pretty babies up there! I'm gushing. I can't wait until it's your sister's turn! This is marvelous."

Samos walked up behind her and touched her arm briefly.

"You practically killing people to get in here," Samos said to his daughter.

"Oh daddy, isn't she gorgeous?"

"Quite."

Mother turned her attentions to Torn. "If you hurt my baby, I'll kill you," she said. "That being said, I'm so happy for you two. And your baby is going to be beautiful. I hope it's a girl! I would love a little granddaughter milling around. What do you think, daddy?"

"For the love of Mar," said. "No more girls, please."

She giggled, and Torn smiled.

"Personally, I'd love to have a son," he said. "A little man, just like me."

"Girls are cuter," mother insisted."Little pink onsies and little dolls and stuffed animals!"

"We'll find out in a few weeks," I said. All the speculation was making me uncomfortable. "I will be happy as long as it doesn't come out a mutant or something."

"Come ladies," Samos said. "Let's go to the feast now, everyone is waiting."

Torn shut the door quietly behind us. I stood, looking at the bed. My wedding night, I knew what to expect to happen. He approached from behind. He placed his hands on my shoulders and started kissing at my ear gently. He nuzzled my neck gently and then turned me around. I was nervous, but prepared. I was ready for this. He kissed me gingerly on the lips. He pulled me closer to him. I had to remind myself to place my hands on his arms. He deepened the kiss, moving his hands to my back. Slowly, he began to untie the lace holding the dress together. He slid his fingers under the straps and pulled them off my shoulders, letting the dress fall to a limp pile on the floor. His breathing became rapid as he backed me onto the bed. I fell on my back on the cool sheets. He climbed on top of me, running his hands on every plane of my body.

Hand-in-hand, we consumated our vows. When it was over, I lay breathless wrapped in the silk sheets. I lay on my side, facing the room, in a daze. He turned over and pulled me into an embrace, kissing my head.

"I love you," he sighed.

I sat in the chair in my room, seated next to the window. My hands lay on belly, which now prevented me from seeing little more than my toes. The summer sun kissed my face, warming me thoroughly.

The door open and shut. I looked up. Torn stood in front of me.

"Well?" he said expectantly.

"Congrats," I said. "It's a boy."

He strode over to me and kissed me quickly and then kissed my belly.

"I knew it," he sighed. "Janosikah, my special boy."

"I'm sure my mother's already turned his wing of the Palace blue."

"I wish I could have been there for your check-up," he said. "I had meetings and such, it's like there's not enough hours in the day. How is the baby doing?"

"Doc says he's right on track, but thinks I need to be gaining more weight."

"He said so again?" Torn said. "He told you that last time. Why aren't you eating more like he said?"

"I'm already huge," I said. "I feel so sick all the time, I can't stand the idea of eating, especially when I look at this tank I got going on."

"Suck it up," he said. "You need to keep this baby healthy."

"Suck it up?" I said, annoyed. "How about a little sympathy here? I'm the one carrying a baby whale in my body."

"Stop talking like that," he said. "Your attitude is getting tiring."

"So we're gonna have that discussion again?" I said. My attitude had been a common topic for our arguments that had been increasing in frequency and intensity.

"No," he said. "You'll get upset over nothing and it could hurt the baby. Instead I'm going to talk to the baby." He started to mumble sweet nothings to my belly, which sometimes quivered in response. The kicks and flutters made him jump with excitement.

The pain in my abdomen ripped through me with each contraction. Sweat was plastered to my face. Kat was holding my hand and had been there sleeplessly through the night, sitting by the bed. The doctor was at the foot of the bed, inspecting the labor as it progressed.

"Okay, you're fully dilated," he said.

"It's finally time?" I gasped.

"Yup, it's time to push, Majesty."

"Oh finally!" I breathed.

"Now when you feel a contraction, push, okay?" I nodded in response.

Torn was standing behind the doctor, watching the birth happen. Another contraction ripped at me. I screamed as my muscles tensed, trying to push the life form from my body.

"Torn!" I yelled. "Come hold my hand, please!"

"I want to watch this," he said.

"Stop looking at my va-jay-jay and get your ass over here NOW!"

He kept standing there, watching.

"I've been in labor for 26 hours," I pleaded. "Please!"

Before I could even wait for an answer, a hand took mine; I looked up and saw Lor standing next to me, clutching my free hand. I felt the pain of a contraction tear through me once more and squeezed both hands I was holding, screaming. I could feel the veins in my head and neck swell.

"The head is crowning," the doctor said. "One more big push."

I was gasping for air, completely exhausted. I was light headed, and I could feel my fingers and toes tingling.

"Come on Janovah," Torn said. "It's just one more."

"I...I..I just need...Just need a minute," I breathed.

"Give her some oxygen," the doctor said. "How's her blood pressure?"

Kat eyeballed the monitor. "It's low," she said.

I closed my eyes and felt a mask cover my nose and mouth.

"If we don't get this baby out fast, he's going to go into distress," the doctor said.

"Come on Janovah! Pull it together!" Torn shouted.

"Back off!" Kat said.

"Don't tell me back off, this is my child an-"

"Enough!" I heard Lor yell. He crouched beside me and spoke gently.

"You're almost there," he said. "Just one more, okay?"

"I can't," I gasped. "I'm...I'm too tired."

"You can do this, okay? I promise."

"Hokay," I gasped. I sat back up, ready for one more push.

"Ready?" he said. I nodded.

"One...two..."

I screamed like I never screamed before. The pain was immense, radiating my entire body. I pushed with my last bit of strength, until I felt a release. I breathed and fell back onto the bed. My world went black. I was hardly able to move at all. The room was spinning around me. I could hear voices like echoes. In the background I heard squalling and cries of joy. And then voices of concern.

"She's hemorrhaging," the doctor said. "Hand me that suture kit, and the syringe."

"You did splendidly," Lor said into my ear. "He's so healthy. You should be proud."

I felt light stroking on my head.

"Okay, Majesty, I'm about to inject a local anesthesia into the sight of the bleeding. It's going to hurt but bear with me," the doctor said. I felt an intense burning. I moaned in pain, too exhausted and ill to scream.

"It's okay," Lor said. "The pain will be over soon."

I felt numbness and pressure as the doctor worked on me. Slowly I felt I could open my eyes. The light pierced through me. Gradually the world came back into focus.

"There," the doctor said. "Fixed the bleed. Good as new."

"Where is my husband?" I mumbled.