~Chapter 11: The Wedding Part 1…~

Zero

My peaceful sleep was suddenly interrupted by someone dragging me out of bed. Someone had a death wish.

"What?" I said coldly as I wretched my hand from their tight grip. Standing in front of me was Simone in the flesh glaring with her red eyes.

"You DO know what today is—"

My eyes held recognition, "The wedd—"

Simone squealed so loud I thought my eardrums would bust. "Yes it is! Come on, you have to go get your tuxedo remember you didn't have time to do it yet."

In a flash I was dressed in a pair of jeans and a plain blue t-shirt. Thank goodness it wasn't cold or snowing in this part of the world.

"What time is this again?" I asked as I reluctantly got in to the limo as it drove off toward the many shops on the island.

Simone scoffed, "You can't remember anything can you?" Her eye's softened then, "I nearly forgot you are still sick, it's a wonder how you were poisoned but yet you aren't cured. What happened that night? And WHY was she with you?" The jealousy in her voice was obvious. Although Krystal and I were told to avoid each other, we clearly didn't and didn't give a damn.

"I don't have to explain myself to you. After all shouldn't you be the one apologizing—"

"Apologizing for what?!" Simone raised her voice and I knew this would start a fight but I didn't care. It was just us in the car anyway besides the limo driver.

"Why did you poison her?"

"What are you—"

I glared, "Don't act like a dumb blonde, we all know you did it. Even after she saved you're sorry ass, you still tried to kill her."

Simone opened and closed her mouth three times. She couldn't think of a comeback and now that she knows I know, she is in for a real treat.

"It doesn't matter! And as soon as we are married, the little bitch—"

I grasp her wrist tightly in order to prevent myself from slapping her. I wouldn't hit a girl, but Krystal's so-called-sisters were asking for it that day—anyway in a stern tone I replied, "Don't call her that, she is nothing of the sort! You personally own that title for all the crap you pull."

"Let go of me Zero!" She yelled as I released her and she began to rub her sore wrist. "I can't believe you're still defending her. In a few hours it'll be nothing but me and you and heaven forbid if you even think about her while we are on our honeymoon—"

Oh screw this, thank goodness we pulled up to the shop, I instantly hopped out and closed the door in her face right before she stuck her head out. I almost stumbled over a hanger as I entered the tuxedo shop that lay on the floor—a fricken hanger—because my vision went blurry for a few seconds. Damn.

The shop held nothing but the best meaning nothing but high class suits and shoes. My cell phone vibrated and it was a text message from Simone saying that she would see meet up with me later on. Delete.

I was about to put the phone back into my pocket when I checked the time. It was 4:30pm. I was shocked, that means I slept later than I thought. Damn I must've been tired last night after dealing with that crazy bastard who thinks he can put his hands on my family. I just remembered that Krystal said she finally got free from the stupid bracelet. She should be able to fully use her powers now.

As the sales rep. brought me the suit that was recently fitted to my measurements, I tried it on. The jacket and pants were black with a white buttoned long sleeved shirt with a collar and lastly proper black shoes and socks. As I admired how good I looked in the large mirror in front of me, I thought of Krystal and Katelyn. Those two appeared in the mirror next to me grinning widely.

I smiled and then turned to greet them but they weren't there. Turned out to be only a daydream and a frown came. Light knocking sounded outside of the changing booth I was in. "Sir, does it fit properly?"

"Yes, I'll take it and the red tie as well." I replied as I quickly changed back into the other clothes. Apparently, the whole town knew about the wedding and anywhere I went and anything I wanted to get was free. I got Katelyn a present; I hope she'll like it. I didn't like the fact that I may not see her again or Krystal…but there was nothing I could do.. Damn it…

My stomach was in knots, I had to choose between the girl I love not to mention our child from the future and if I didn't marry this bitch, the earth would go to hell. Would she and Krystal even attend the wedding? What would she do afterwards? I know she said she would wait for me, but who knows how long that is going to be.

As I walked out of the door, I almost bumped into Ms. Loveless who was accompanied by Doctor James and Katelyn as well as Melanie. "Sorry about that." I apologized.

"No problems here. How are feeling, after all today is a big day for you." Doctor James asked as he examined me with his eyes from head to toe.

"I've been better." I sighed as I ran a hand through my hair. I just wanted to sit down and sleep again even though I've slept a good portion of the day away. Ms. Loveless quickly handed me a small piece of paper. On it was the jewelry store around the corner. She winked and I knew why I had to go there.

"Dad." Katelyn whispered as I got down to her level. "I-what's in the purple and blue glitter bag?"

I smiled, "Oh this?" I held it in front of her teasingly, "It's a present for someone who turned eight recently."

Katelyn's eyes lit up, "Can I open it please?" She wined. She attacked the bag as soon as I handed it over. She pulled out a purple princess teddy bear. It had a pink crown and even a pink staff. She hugged me almost dropping the bear in the process. "Thanks! Happy Birthday too!"

Katelyn added, "Dad I'm going to miss you." Her eyes were watery. "I know what's going to happen later today…but mommy says it will be ok and that we just have to wait on you to come back home to us."

I wanted to say that the wedding between Simone and I was canceled. My throat felt instantly dry but I forced the words out as I wiped her tears away. "You mom is right. This is just to save everyone from a horrible war. I wouldn't want you to get hurt."

"I know…" Katelyn hugged me again and whispered, "Hurry and go see mommy. I love you dad."

Her words stung because I may never hear them for quite some time…

"I love you too." I kissed her nose. All of them continued on their way. I was at the jewelry store in one minute. I looked around for Krystal who was at the back counter paying for something. She wore a short grass green skirt with a pink shirt, white tennis shoes and a pink headband.

"Thank you." She said as the sales rep. placed the small bag in her hand. She had another larger bag that was from a different store. Seemed like clothes to me. I could see the veins in her neck clear as day all of a sudden. I was tired yet she was more tempting.

"Hey." Krystal said with a forced smile. I could tell she was not that happy about today. Then she gave me a knowing look. So she saw the way I looked at her earlier all hungry like. She probably knew I felt like shit too.

We exited the jewelry store and quickly ducked into a series of alley ways until we came to a hidden area under an old yet sturdy stone bridge. The paparazzi wouldn't be out here; they are too busy with the wedding details at the castle.

Krystal leaned with her back against the wall as I stood in front of her with my hands on her waist. Although I was craving her blood, I kept my hunger at bay for a few minutes.

"I bought Katelyn a princess teddy bear for her birthday today. She, Melanie, Doctor James and your mom passed by a store I was in today. She also told me that she knows what could happen after today and that she loved me." I told her.

Krystal grinned, "You are such a wonderful dad and I know that was hard to hear. Especially on a day like today…" Her grin fell and was replaced with a sad look. "Today might be the last time we see each other. I thought about going to live with mom and her friend. I would finish high school and walk across that stage proving everyone wrong."

She continued, "But you wouldn't be in the picture…" She began to cry, "So I decided I would make our last day special." She reached down into the smallest of the two bags and pulled out a small square black box. "Happy Birthday Zero." This time her voice was cheery.

She anxiously waited for me to open the box as she looked nervous. Once I opened it and found one set of small silver skull earrings. I was about to speak when Krystal blurted out something first.

"They were on sale and I thought they were the one of the perfect gifts for your birthday. Do you like them?" She asked.

"Of course I do." I kissed her and quickly set the box down. I was too hungry and barely able to contain myself. Krystal understood the situation and turned her head slightly to one side. I wrapped my arms around her waist and she did the same.

In less than 15 seconds I was met with the sweet but wonderful rush of crimson flowing through me. All of her feelings swimming to the surface about me; It was like I was watching memories in red color all about us. My body felt like most of the weight was lifted off. I didn't feel tired anymore, I felt great. But even I knew it was only temporary.

Then I noticed Krystal's breathing was ragged and labored, a bit too labored for my liking. I quickly removed my fangs from her neck as she slumped against my chest. I slid down to the floor this time my back was against the wall.

"Krystal!" I yelled in alarm thinking I took way too much. "Say some—" I felt her tap my leg lightly letting me know she was still hanging on. "I'm so sorry. I should've finished sooner and you wouldn't be like this." After two minutes she finally spoke ceasing my continuous worries for her well-being.

"Are you all right?" I asked in concern.

"Yes, I didn't want to stop you because I was also enjoying the moment." We both blushed. "Let's put those earrings on." She put on skull earring on the top on one ear and at the bottom of the other.

"They make you look even hotter." She complimented.

"Thanks." I kissed her and tasted strawberry chap stick. "Mm tasty." I winked as she giggled. It wasn't forced, it was real. This is how everything should be. I eyed her other bag with interest as we sat side by side against the brick wall. "What's in the other bag?" I asked as she pulled in closer to her.

"That's a secret." She smiled teasing me. I reached for the bag anyway when she asked, "What time does the wedding begin?"

My hand stopped because I honestly didn't want to talk about my impending doomsday. "At eight pm." I was monotone. "Let's do something else." I added changing the subject.

Krystal took of her pink headband as she glanced at her phone. "It's only six now." She placed a hand over mine as she cocked her head to the side, "Before the wedding, you need to be cured. So…" Her cheeks reddened and so did mine.

"Right." I finally found my voice and pushed those entertaining images to the back of my mind for now. "Let's find a special place. We'll do this one step at a time." She nodded and as we stood up, intertwined our fingers and left out of the hidden spot. We shared another wonderful kiss and she wrapped her arms around my neck to deepen the kiss.

We somehow lost our footing and rolled down a huge hill landing next to a large oak tree. It was then I remembered a certain spot from the previous days that I found hidden along the beach coast surround by a forest of huge trees.

"I have the perfect spot! Its—"

"Zero where are you? We have to go!" Simone's voice was close by. "It's time to get ready!"

Krystal sighed.

"Come on son in law, don't be nervous." Her father said jokingly. I don't know how they found out about where I was. I didn't want to leave, how could I with Krystal beside me? Part of me was debating running away with Krystal in tow because of the sadness in her chocolate brown eyes and the other part didn't want to be involved in another life or death situation with my loved ones.

"Go Zero." Krystal whispered and it sounded like torture, "." With one last passionate kiss I did what she asked with deep regret.

The time of the wedding has come. The rows were filled with family, friends and acquaintances as well as the paparazzi. Several flat screen TVs hung around the large garden area where the wedding was taking place.

The long benches were wooden and adorned with vines and flowers here and there. A golden rug stretched from the entrance to the pulpit where I was currently standing. Golden chandeliers hung from the ceiling.

Krystal had come but was sitting in the back with Katelyn, Melanie, and her mom along with Dr. James. Krystal wore a blank expression and Katelyn wore a saddened one. I refused to look away although it was heartbreaking. My family sat in the very front row with fake smiles; they didn't want to be here just as much as I did.

As I tore my eyes away from them, I found King Reys looking at me with a if-you-mess-this-up-it'll- be- hell-pay look. Why the hell did they let him in here? What happened to him being banned? Bastard.

The piano played "Here comes the Bride" as Simone walked through the double doors and everyone instantly stood up. I had to admit she was very pretty but that was all. Her golden ball gown wedding dress was adorned with diamonds at the top. Her heels were about five inches high and matched her dress. She left her hair down with tight curls in place. To others she may have looked beautiful but to me she looked like a yellow high lighter or a piece of corn with out the leaves. It was the first time I actually noticed her stomach protruded out a bit as a clear sign she was obviously pregnant.

My stress levels were high, but I kept a calm face as the camera's snapped off taking hundreds of pictures. Simone finally reached the alter after what seemed like eons and took her place beside me. As the priest recited from memory some important things I didn't care about, I zoned out.

Suddenly, I was turned toward Simone who looked happy as hell. She had quickly snuck a glance in Krystal's direction and with a confident smirk directed her attention back to the matter at hand. I know Zoey wanted to wipe the look off of her face.

The ring bearer passed her one golden band as she held my hand.

"Do you take Zero Kiryu to be your lawfully wedded husband?" The preacher asked.

"I do." Simone replied sliding the ring on my ring finger. She also passed me the other ring and held out her hand as if she was waiting on someone to file her nails.

The priest turned to me and began speaking.

Oh shit…

"Do you Zero Kiryu take Simone Bradley to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

It was as if everyone went silent. I quickly turned my head to catch one last glance at Krystal and Katelyn. Katelyn was there but I saw Krystal leaving through a side door. My heart screamed at me to go after her but my body wouldn't move.

Krystal stopped as soon as she began to close the door behind her. I saw her face contorted with sadness but above all pain as she struggled not to cry. Then the door was shut silently.

Regret and sorrow filled me replacing the stress with a cold and numbing sensation. Krystal—my warmth—was gone and I wasn't going to get her back for who knows how long.

Krystal was gone… my heart was breaking and I'm sure hers was too. Damn it! I wanted to run after her, to hold and comfort her. I would literally die without her.

"Prince Zero?" The priest words brought me out of the really depressing state I was in and I quickly threw on a mask.

"I…" I slightly balled one hand into a fist for the next words. "I—"

Part two will up soon!