Author's note: WOW! So many reviews so soon! I didn't realize you guys were awaiting this so badly! Although I do know some of you reviewed twice. :p I'm flattered that you thought enough of it to review again!
And Dracou, I didn't mean to get you so depressed by posting this. Now I feel bad! But you're a great writer no matter what you say! And I hope you get better and that things start looking up for you. If you ever need anyone to talk to, e-mail me! That goes for anyone else too! I love receiving e-mail!
Hmm...who would be Van's best man? I'm leaning towards Irvine since he's known him longer than any of them. And I think Thomas is hiding under my computer table after reading your review. *kicks him with her foot*
Thomas: OW! Watch where you're kicking me!
Shelly: * . * Sorry! You all right under there?
Thomas: *strained voice* I was until you kicked me! I think I'll go back to Dracou's. At least she appreciated me even though I was kept inside that cage. *shudders*
Shelly: Ah, I don't think so, Thomas. I've got leverage on you this time.
Thomas: What do you mean?
Shelly: *flashes pics of Karl's bachelor party with an evil grin* Guess what I have? *Thanks, Ryan! Luv ya!*
Thomas: Don't you dare! Oh, please, Shelly, don't do this to me!
Shelly: How can I resist those puppy dog eyes? *sigh* You can relax, Thomas. I won't as long as you behave yourself and are nice to me.
Thomas: Would you like a foot rub?
Shelly: *grins* It's nice to have friends in high places. Hee-hee!
Enough with that! On with the fic!
The Most Precious Gift by Shelly
CHAPTER TWO
After the celebration, everyone gathered together for the traditional toss of the bouquet and the garter, the single women banding together first as Tania readied the bouquet and tossed it back over her shoulder. It arced through the air and fell in the middle of the crowd, a sea of hands rising to catch it, and soon one cry echoed above the others as it was revealed to be Fiona's. Van's eyes widened and his jaw dropped in shock as Thomas, Karl, and Irvine clapped him heartily on the back.
Then it was Karl's turn, and he approached Tania to kneel by her leg and run his hand up it to remove the garter around her upper thigh, her cheeks flushing just as much from the whistles from the guys as from the feel of her husband's hand sliding against her skin. Then he positioned himself for the toss, letting it fly through the air as it seemed apparent that Thomas was going to catch it before a silver streak shot through the air and collided with him. When everyone cleared out of the way, Zeke was revealed to be standing there with the garter in his teeth and Thomas on the ground at his feet, moaning with little Zekes dancing around his head.
Soon the newlyweds left for their honeymoon, leaving those of the remaining wedding party to help clean up the mess left behind, and by the time they were done they were exhausted from the days activities and decided to crash on their respective beds for a quick nap. But as they lie there, they found themselves unable to fall asleep even though they were bone-tired.
"You know, I miss them both already," Thomas pointed out.
"Yeah, I know what you mean," Van replied. "It seems strange not to have them here, especially after what we've all been through together. I hope they have a safe honeymoon together."
"Speaking of honeymoons, when are you and Fiona getting married?" Irvine asked.
Van almost fell to the floor. "What are you talking about? We're not getting married!"
"Well, you saw her catch the bouquet, and you know what that means. She'll be the next to get married," Irvine laughed.
"I'm not getting married!"
Thomas and Irvine glanced at each other with grins on their faces, Irvine holding up two fingers in a peace sign.
Elsewhere, Marianne and Rudolph were sharing a quiet moment together in the chapel where Karl and Tania had just got married, the young girl sighing happily and looking around her with a starry-eyed expression. Seeing today's celebration had whetted her own desire to get married, and she couldn't wait until that day came after envisioning the elaborate gown she would be wearing and the most beautiful bouquet that would go with it.
Rudolph glanced over at her and couldn't help but smile at his intended bride's expression. At first he had been terrified to even think of what their wedding would be like, but after seeing today's wedding some of his fears had been put to rest, although with him being the emperor he knew his wedding would be ten times more elaborate than the one today was.
He took her hand in his own and gave it a little squeeze. "You did a wonderful job, Marianne. The wedding was outstanding! The decorations were perfect and the music was wonderful! I'm so proud of you!"
She turned pleased eyes towards him. "You think so? Thank you, Rudolph! I can't wait till the day we get married! It'll be even better!"
A blush covered his cheeks as he smiled. "I know it will," he agreed.
A sweet smile crossed her face and just as quickly disappeared as she remembered what she had meant to ask her betrothed earlier. "Can I ask a favor of you?" she asked. "It would mean so much to me for you to do me this one small favor."
He managed to hide his apprehension as her favors were never small. She somehow thought he was able to move mountains for her, as evident by some of the requests she had made of him in the past. This wedding was one example, although he had been happy to help with this one since he thought so much of Tania and Karl. "What is it?"
She turned her puppy dog eyes on him. "I was watching Lieutenant Shubaltz today, and it seemed as if he was a little depressed. I think he needs someone that can cheer him up, and I think I have just the person in mind. Only thing is, the only way I can get them together is for you to invite her to join the Guardian Force."
His eyes widened as he knew who it was she was thinking of. "You're not talking about your cousin Erin, are you?"
She nodded happily as he groaned and put his face into his hand. "Come on, Rudolph! I think they would make the perfect couple! Thomas is a little shy around girls and just needs someone that can take the iniative in a relationship.
"Yeah, but a lot of guys seem to be afraid of her," he pointed out. "I think she comes on a little too strong sometimes."
The young girl waved him off. "If they are afraid of her, it's because she's a very accomplished zoid pilot and is very dedicated to improving her skills. I have been wanting to ask you to put her on the Guardian Force for some time as I think she would be the perfect one to ask, but I never approached you as she feels that she's not ready. But I'm certain she is now. So, will you?"
Rudolph worried at his lower lip with his teeth as he thought it over. He was right in saying that Erin did come on too strong at times as she was somewhat of a tomboy at heart. She readily struck up friendships with those of the male gender, and rarely had any friends that were female as she was known to be somewhat of a flirt. And those that met her didn't quite know how to take her at first because of that.
With the guys it was easy as she was quite the looker with her short auburn hair that was often worn in a flattering style around her face, which accented her emerald eyes perfectly. But where they usually thought of her in a romantic light at first, she soon became good friends with them and things never progressed any further between them. She was no slouch inside a zoid cockpit either as he had seen her fight in battle before, and he had even entertained Marianne's suggestion a time or two, but never acted on it as he wasn't sure how her personality would fit with Fiona or Moonbay's.
Finally he sighed as he gave in to her request. "All right, I will," he said, crying out in surprise when she threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly.
"Thank you, thank you!" she crowed at the top of her lungs. "I promise you won't regret this!"
"Somehow I think I already am," he muttered under his breath.
That night, Thomas found it hard to sleep as his thoughts kept running through his mind, thoughts of his brother's wedding and the way they had seemed so incredibly happy together. And to see the happiness in Fiona's eyes whenever she caught Tania's bouquet had been like a knife in his heart as he still cared for the ancient zoidian very much.
Rising from his bed quietly, he walked through the silent hallways of the palace, paying no mind to the servants that were busy sweeping the floors and dusting everywhere. It was funny to think that all these things needed to be done, but no one ever thought of the people working behind the scenes to get it all ready in time for the next day. And it was amazing to realize at how much they were taken for granted, for if they weren't here doing this then it would be those among the nobility who would be doing the cleaning instead of the servants.
Once outside, he breathed deeply of the cool night air and looked up at the twin moons that shed their ethereal light upon the ground, the gentle breeze ruffling his blond hair a little. He didn't know why he was so depressed, but he couldn't help but wonder when he was going to have a chance at someone as wonderful as Fiona and Tania. They both shared in the kind of love he had always dreamed of, had always wished for ever since he was young.
But his brother had always gotten the girls while he was only thought of as a shy counterpart to Karl. It was true he was incredibly shy around women when it concerned his feelings, but in any other situation he was fine as long as his emotions weren't brought into play. It was at times like that when his knees would turn to jelly and his tongue would seem to become one giant knot at the back of his throat.
Perhaps he was meant to be alone, and would never be blessed with the kind of luck Karl and Van had found.
He sighed as he realized the depressing path his thoughts had taken, and he shook his head to clear his thoughts from spiraling any further where they didn't belong. Suddenly yawning, he turned to go back inside but stopped when he saw a shooting star cross the midnight sky, wondering if this was a sign for him, but quickly dismissing it as a silly notion as he continued on along his path back towards his cold, empty bed.
Not far away, another pair of eyes watched the same shooting star, but these were emerald eyes brimming with excitement at the wonderful news her cousin had brought her earlier today. Tomorrow she would be joining an elite fighting team, something she had always wanted to do ever since she had heard of its inception, and now her dream was coming true.
She was going to become a member of the Guardian Force.
***************
Sounds like she might be a handful. But appearances are always deceiving! And as you all saw, I chose Erin as my characters name. *Hey, Erin!* It seemed to fit her personality. Amd thanks again for all the reviews! I feel so special, and it's all because of you! *hugs and kisses* C-ya!
And Dracou, I didn't mean to get you so depressed by posting this. Now I feel bad! But you're a great writer no matter what you say! And I hope you get better and that things start looking up for you. If you ever need anyone to talk to, e-mail me! That goes for anyone else too! I love receiving e-mail!
Hmm...who would be Van's best man? I'm leaning towards Irvine since he's known him longer than any of them. And I think Thomas is hiding under my computer table after reading your review. *kicks him with her foot*
Thomas: OW! Watch where you're kicking me!
Shelly: * . * Sorry! You all right under there?
Thomas: *strained voice* I was until you kicked me! I think I'll go back to Dracou's. At least she appreciated me even though I was kept inside that cage. *shudders*
Shelly: Ah, I don't think so, Thomas. I've got leverage on you this time.
Thomas: What do you mean?
Shelly: *flashes pics of Karl's bachelor party with an evil grin* Guess what I have? *Thanks, Ryan! Luv ya!*
Thomas: Don't you dare! Oh, please, Shelly, don't do this to me!
Shelly: How can I resist those puppy dog eyes? *sigh* You can relax, Thomas. I won't as long as you behave yourself and are nice to me.
Thomas: Would you like a foot rub?
Shelly: *grins* It's nice to have friends in high places. Hee-hee!
Enough with that! On with the fic!
The Most Precious Gift by Shelly
CHAPTER TWO
After the celebration, everyone gathered together for the traditional toss of the bouquet and the garter, the single women banding together first as Tania readied the bouquet and tossed it back over her shoulder. It arced through the air and fell in the middle of the crowd, a sea of hands rising to catch it, and soon one cry echoed above the others as it was revealed to be Fiona's. Van's eyes widened and his jaw dropped in shock as Thomas, Karl, and Irvine clapped him heartily on the back.
Then it was Karl's turn, and he approached Tania to kneel by her leg and run his hand up it to remove the garter around her upper thigh, her cheeks flushing just as much from the whistles from the guys as from the feel of her husband's hand sliding against her skin. Then he positioned himself for the toss, letting it fly through the air as it seemed apparent that Thomas was going to catch it before a silver streak shot through the air and collided with him. When everyone cleared out of the way, Zeke was revealed to be standing there with the garter in his teeth and Thomas on the ground at his feet, moaning with little Zekes dancing around his head.
Soon the newlyweds left for their honeymoon, leaving those of the remaining wedding party to help clean up the mess left behind, and by the time they were done they were exhausted from the days activities and decided to crash on their respective beds for a quick nap. But as they lie there, they found themselves unable to fall asleep even though they were bone-tired.
"You know, I miss them both already," Thomas pointed out.
"Yeah, I know what you mean," Van replied. "It seems strange not to have them here, especially after what we've all been through together. I hope they have a safe honeymoon together."
"Speaking of honeymoons, when are you and Fiona getting married?" Irvine asked.
Van almost fell to the floor. "What are you talking about? We're not getting married!"
"Well, you saw her catch the bouquet, and you know what that means. She'll be the next to get married," Irvine laughed.
"I'm not getting married!"
Thomas and Irvine glanced at each other with grins on their faces, Irvine holding up two fingers in a peace sign.
Elsewhere, Marianne and Rudolph were sharing a quiet moment together in the chapel where Karl and Tania had just got married, the young girl sighing happily and looking around her with a starry-eyed expression. Seeing today's celebration had whetted her own desire to get married, and she couldn't wait until that day came after envisioning the elaborate gown she would be wearing and the most beautiful bouquet that would go with it.
Rudolph glanced over at her and couldn't help but smile at his intended bride's expression. At first he had been terrified to even think of what their wedding would be like, but after seeing today's wedding some of his fears had been put to rest, although with him being the emperor he knew his wedding would be ten times more elaborate than the one today was.
He took her hand in his own and gave it a little squeeze. "You did a wonderful job, Marianne. The wedding was outstanding! The decorations were perfect and the music was wonderful! I'm so proud of you!"
She turned pleased eyes towards him. "You think so? Thank you, Rudolph! I can't wait till the day we get married! It'll be even better!"
A blush covered his cheeks as he smiled. "I know it will," he agreed.
A sweet smile crossed her face and just as quickly disappeared as she remembered what she had meant to ask her betrothed earlier. "Can I ask a favor of you?" she asked. "It would mean so much to me for you to do me this one small favor."
He managed to hide his apprehension as her favors were never small. She somehow thought he was able to move mountains for her, as evident by some of the requests she had made of him in the past. This wedding was one example, although he had been happy to help with this one since he thought so much of Tania and Karl. "What is it?"
She turned her puppy dog eyes on him. "I was watching Lieutenant Shubaltz today, and it seemed as if he was a little depressed. I think he needs someone that can cheer him up, and I think I have just the person in mind. Only thing is, the only way I can get them together is for you to invite her to join the Guardian Force."
His eyes widened as he knew who it was she was thinking of. "You're not talking about your cousin Erin, are you?"
She nodded happily as he groaned and put his face into his hand. "Come on, Rudolph! I think they would make the perfect couple! Thomas is a little shy around girls and just needs someone that can take the iniative in a relationship.
"Yeah, but a lot of guys seem to be afraid of her," he pointed out. "I think she comes on a little too strong sometimes."
The young girl waved him off. "If they are afraid of her, it's because she's a very accomplished zoid pilot and is very dedicated to improving her skills. I have been wanting to ask you to put her on the Guardian Force for some time as I think she would be the perfect one to ask, but I never approached you as she feels that she's not ready. But I'm certain she is now. So, will you?"
Rudolph worried at his lower lip with his teeth as he thought it over. He was right in saying that Erin did come on too strong at times as she was somewhat of a tomboy at heart. She readily struck up friendships with those of the male gender, and rarely had any friends that were female as she was known to be somewhat of a flirt. And those that met her didn't quite know how to take her at first because of that.
With the guys it was easy as she was quite the looker with her short auburn hair that was often worn in a flattering style around her face, which accented her emerald eyes perfectly. But where they usually thought of her in a romantic light at first, she soon became good friends with them and things never progressed any further between them. She was no slouch inside a zoid cockpit either as he had seen her fight in battle before, and he had even entertained Marianne's suggestion a time or two, but never acted on it as he wasn't sure how her personality would fit with Fiona or Moonbay's.
Finally he sighed as he gave in to her request. "All right, I will," he said, crying out in surprise when she threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly.
"Thank you, thank you!" she crowed at the top of her lungs. "I promise you won't regret this!"
"Somehow I think I already am," he muttered under his breath.
That night, Thomas found it hard to sleep as his thoughts kept running through his mind, thoughts of his brother's wedding and the way they had seemed so incredibly happy together. And to see the happiness in Fiona's eyes whenever she caught Tania's bouquet had been like a knife in his heart as he still cared for the ancient zoidian very much.
Rising from his bed quietly, he walked through the silent hallways of the palace, paying no mind to the servants that were busy sweeping the floors and dusting everywhere. It was funny to think that all these things needed to be done, but no one ever thought of the people working behind the scenes to get it all ready in time for the next day. And it was amazing to realize at how much they were taken for granted, for if they weren't here doing this then it would be those among the nobility who would be doing the cleaning instead of the servants.
Once outside, he breathed deeply of the cool night air and looked up at the twin moons that shed their ethereal light upon the ground, the gentle breeze ruffling his blond hair a little. He didn't know why he was so depressed, but he couldn't help but wonder when he was going to have a chance at someone as wonderful as Fiona and Tania. They both shared in the kind of love he had always dreamed of, had always wished for ever since he was young.
But his brother had always gotten the girls while he was only thought of as a shy counterpart to Karl. It was true he was incredibly shy around women when it concerned his feelings, but in any other situation he was fine as long as his emotions weren't brought into play. It was at times like that when his knees would turn to jelly and his tongue would seem to become one giant knot at the back of his throat.
Perhaps he was meant to be alone, and would never be blessed with the kind of luck Karl and Van had found.
He sighed as he realized the depressing path his thoughts had taken, and he shook his head to clear his thoughts from spiraling any further where they didn't belong. Suddenly yawning, he turned to go back inside but stopped when he saw a shooting star cross the midnight sky, wondering if this was a sign for him, but quickly dismissing it as a silly notion as he continued on along his path back towards his cold, empty bed.
Not far away, another pair of eyes watched the same shooting star, but these were emerald eyes brimming with excitement at the wonderful news her cousin had brought her earlier today. Tomorrow she would be joining an elite fighting team, something she had always wanted to do ever since she had heard of its inception, and now her dream was coming true.
She was going to become a member of the Guardian Force.
***************
Sounds like she might be a handful. But appearances are always deceiving! And as you all saw, I chose Erin as my characters name. *Hey, Erin!* It seemed to fit her personality. Amd thanks again for all the reviews! I feel so special, and it's all because of you! *hugs and kisses* C-ya!