Speedy and Polly: A Match Made In Heaven
Story by: Phoenix710&Merigirl
Disclaimer: Neither Merigirl nor I claim any rights to Samurai Pizza Cats, or to any of the characters. Samurai Pizza Cats, and all associated characters, are registered trademarks of Saban. All original characters are products of my imagination.
The songs here are 'With A Little Help From My Friends' and 'Be Thou My Vision.'
Chapter Twenty-One: Cheese Crashes The Party
Tane came into her daughter's bedroom as she was preparing to take a shower. "How are you, Dear? Do you need my help with anything?"
"Not right now Mom, thanks. I was gonna head in and take a shower."
"All right. Let's go, Sayaka, your sister needs to shower. Dear, your relatives are arriving, so it's best to stay up here until Francine and Lucille come up."
"OK, Mom." Tane kissed her daughter and left the room, fondly recalling the magical day when Polly was born.
Flashback to when Polly was just a newborn kitten…
Tane held the tiny bundle of blankets in her arms that contained her little joy. She gazed upon this little kitten in her arms, this tiny being with ten fingers and ten toes that she was flinging all over the place…and her heart grew with love and pride. This little being…this was a tiny miracle from God. Her eyes were the loveliest shade of blue, and her small bundle of hair was as red as her own. "Welcome to the world, my little angel," she whispered to her. She heard a sound and looked up to see her husband, mother, and Minister Kaito beaming from the doorway. They slowly came in to gaze upon the newest little Ester. Tane smiled at Minister Kaito. "I want her baptized as soon as possible," she said.
Minister Kaito nodded. "Have you given her a name?" But, Polly?" Hitomi asked. "That name is so unusual. Surely you can think of a better one.." "Her name is just as I registered it, Mother." "But Polly Esther?" "Yes, Polly Esther."
Tane nodded. "Polly."
He looked at her. "Polly? That's an odd name."
"It was from my grandmother's best friend," Tane explained. "She was American, and I used to love her name. When I as younger, I used to pretend it was mine. I knew when I had a daughter I'd give her that name."
Hitomi smiled at her granddaughter. "Absolutely beautiful!" she sighed and looked at her son-in-law. "Well, maybe next time it'll be a boy."
Akira looked at her. "It doesn't matter to me, Hitomi. I'd love a daugher."
"I know, but you should have a boy next time, it's of more value to the family.."
"Oh, Mother," Tane said, shaking her head. 'Even if we only have Polly, she's worth more to me than anything." She grinned at the cooing baby. "And who knows...she might prove more worth than any boy!"
End Flashback.
Tane smiled as she went downstairs. "And you did prove it, Sweetheart. You sure did!"
Tane was startled by the door slamming shut. She went downstairs with Sayaka at her heels. "Mother!" she said, as her mother came into the front hall.
"Hello, Tane, Dear," she said, kissing her cheek.
"Hi, Grandmama!" Sayaka said, throing her arms around her.
"Hi, Honey."
Meanwhile, in another part of the city…
Speedy made his way over to the graveyard with a bouquet of flowers in his hand, having one particular place in mind. His eyes made his way over the many tombs that stood around behind the black iron gate. Stepping through, he found the very building he had been looking for. 'CERVICHE' was carved in big block letters on the top of the large white building. Speedy knelt by the entrance, putting the flowers by the door. "Happy Birthday, Mom. These are for you." He looked up to Heaven. "Mom…I know that you had a hand in getting Polly and me together, and…well…thank you. Thank you for being so kind to Polly whenever I brought her over to play when we were kittens. I think marrying her today would no doubt have been the best present Polly and I can give you. I don't know why I didn't see it from the start. Polly is truly the best thing that's ever happened to me. She's definitely one-of-a-kind. She's warm, loving, considerate…she's everything you were. That's probably why she loved you as much as I did…and neither one of us ever forgot you. Neither of us ever will." He bowed his head. "I hope you're having a wonderful birthday, Mom, and you have a good time at the wedding with Dad. Happy Birthday. Thank you for everything, Mom. I love you." He stood up and went back to his Uncle Irving's to shower himself and get ready for this blessed day.
Meanwhile, Good Bird made his way to deliver the last pizza of the day so he could head back to his home, shower, and change. Heading back, he became aware of fluttering sounds that were all too familiar to his ears. Looking up he saw y of his former Crows glaring at him as they flew down and came face to face with their old boss. "You!" one of them called out.
"What are both of you doing here?!" Good Bird said. "why aren't you on Prisoners' Island?"
"HAH, did ya forget we all can fly?!"
"All the way from there?! Is Seymour here with ya?
"Mind ya own business, ya Benedict Arnold! Ya turned ya back on us, why should we even give ya the time of day?! Get out of our way right now!" They tried to move, but were instantly blocked by Good Bird.
"Neither of you two dimwits are going anywhere until I know what Seymour is doing here!!"
"Ya backstabber!!! Ya traitor! Why should we tell ya anything after what you did.."
"Ya mean finally see the error of my ways? Live a real life filled with love and friendship instead of hate and crime?"
"You make it sound like a bad thing…"
"Shut up and tell me just what's going on here!"
"We don't give info to traitors! After you left us like you did! We were lost without you. We needed you…"
"For what?! To lead you all to die?!"
"What kind of talk is that from Super Bad Bird's son?!"
"You listen, you just listen up right now, ya turkeys…my father was wrong, his father was wrong…and you all are wrong!!! My father and grandfather never taught me anything good in life, anything at all! All they've ever taught me was hate and cruelty!! Here, on the side of the Samurai, my whole world is different.. My whole life's changed. I've found all I was missing.."
"Cowardice?"
"Forgiveness you jerks! Forgiveness, caring, friendship, love!! THAT'S what I was given…and let me tell ya, it's 100 better than anything I've ever had in my life!"
"HA, well, we'll just let YOU get back to it, cause neither one of us want to have anything to do with YOU right now!!" They all started to go, when Good Bird flew ahead of them and stopped them.
"OH NO YOU DON'T!!!! You two are gonna tell me exactly where Seymour is and what he's doing here!!!"
"And if we don't?" Good Bord immediately answered them by throwing a fast right hook that took down the first one. The second one pulled out his sword, but he was no match for his former leader, as Good Bird immediately swished his empty pizza box and disarmed him. Picking him up by the throat he held him up against a nearby wall. "I swear to God, you'd better tell Seymour that if he dares to even show his ugly face at my friends' wedding…I will PERSONALLY grab him by his throat, stuff his kimono down his THROAT, and fly him back to Prisoners' Island by myself!!"
The Crow managed to free himself. "You bully!!! You big showoff!! You traitor!! Just wait! Seymour is gonna know what you did, and when he gets his hands on you…" he picked up his fallen teammate. "You haven't heard the last of US!!!" He flew off, as Good Bird hurried back home.
Guido made his way back to the Pizza Parlor. He opened the door and his eyes took in his surroundings. Fran, the Rescue Team, and their friends had transformed it into a gorgeous wonderland of romance! Red, white, and pink streamers criss-crossed the celing. Bright pink fold-out bells were taped to the walls, along with paper doves. The tables had been rearranged to make a huge dance floor, and they had all been set with white tablecloths. Silver utensils and brand new chopsticks were next to bright pink napkins and pure china plates. A perfect origami crane sat right in the middle of each table. "Wow, guys, the place looks beautiful!!! You all outdid yourselves, it looks so good!" He picked up one of the cranes. "Francine, did you do these?"
"Do ya like them?"
"They're beautiful! Speedy and Polly are just gonna love them!'
"I thought they'd make a cute little centerpiece!"
Their friends moved over to the karaoke machine that was in the corner. "Say, guys, how about a song while we wait for the big moment?" Yujima asked.
"A song? That's a great idea. I know just the one, in honor of our friends from the Samurai Academy who will be united in marriage this very eve!" Kazuki said. They cued up the song and all sang as the Rescue Team, Guido, Francine, Carla, Wally, and Lucille tapped their hand on the tables.
'What would do think if I sang out of tune, What do I do when my love is away. Do you need anybody? Would you believe in a love at first sight? Do you need anybody?
Would you stand up and walk out on me.
Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song,
And I'll try not to sing out of key.
Oh I get by with a little help from my friends,
I get by with a little help from my friends,
Oh I'm gonna try with a little help from my friends.
(Does it worry you to be alone)
How do I feel by the end of the day
(Are you sad because you're on your own)
No, I get by with a little help from my friends,
Mmm I get by with a little help from my friends,
Mmm I'm gonna to try with a little help from my friends
I need somebody to love.
Could it be anybody?
I want somebody to love.
Yes I'm certain that it happens all the time.
What do you see when you turn out the light?
I can't tell you, but I know it's mine.
Oh I get by with a little help from my friends,
Mmm I get by with a little help from my friends,
Oh I'm gonna try with a little help from my friends
I need someone to love.
Could it be anybody?
I want somebody to love
Oh...
I get by with a little help from my friends,
I'm gonna try with a little help from my friends
I get by with a little help from my friends
Yes I get by with a little help from my friends,
with a little help from my friends!'
When they had finished, everyone clapped, Just then, Good Bird burst into the Parlor. "Guys, guys!"
"Good Bird, what's wrong?" Guido asked, alarmed.
"Birdie, what is it?" Carla asked.
"Guido, Francine, Carla, brace yourselves…I think Seymour is back!"
"WHAT?!" Guido asked standing up.
"NO!" The Rescue Team said.
"As I was delivering the last pizza of the day, I ran into a pair of his Ninja Crows."
"Oh, Birdie!"
"No, I was alright, Carla. They tried to give me a hard time, but I managed to take them out. They threatened to tell Big Cheese."
"I better tell Al about this," Francine said, going to the phone.
"Big Cheese…isn't he that nutso former Prime Minister who tried to destroy Tokyo with that comet after he got sentenced to Prisoners' Island?"
"One and the same," Guido said. "We all knew he'd try to bust out and come back, but right now?!"
"They probably heard about the wedding and have come back to crash it for revenge!" Spritz said, standing up.
"I swear as God is my witness that rotten rodent will NOT show his ugly face at the ceremony or I'll personally kick his stupid damn tail all by myself!!" Guido said, pounding his fist on the table.
"You're not gonna have to do this alone," Good Bird said. "The minute Cheese sees me, I'm the one he'll be going after for turning traitor!"
"Oh, Birdie!!" Carla cried out, horrified.
Good Bird hugged her. "I'll be alright, Carla. Remember, I used to lead those bozos, and I can honestly say that those Crows can't hit the broad side of a target!"
"I'm not worried about them, Birdie, I'm worried about what Cheese and Jerry might do to you with their newest machine!"
"I can handle ANYTHING that jerk throws at me! Speedy and Polly are two of my best friends…and I especially owe Speedy for helping me have a better life! NO one is ruining this day, least of all that brainless imbecile who actually thinks he has a chance to rule!"
"We're still Samurai ourselves, Guido," Kazuki said. "Speedy and Polly are our friends too. If there's anything we can do, let us know."
"Thanks, guys," Guido said. "OK…OK…let me think…
"Well, one thing for sure, we can't let this spoil this day for Speedy and Polly!" Carla said. "They've been through enough this past year alone!"
"I'm with ya on this!" Meowzma said. "They've gone through so much to be together. They deserve this day more than anyone else I know!"
"So we all agree? We do not tell Speedy or Polly?" General Catton asked. They all nodded.
"All right, you guys," Guido said. "All of you, keep your weapons ready. Francine, get my umbrella and give it to Cosmo. Brother, I want you to keep the umbrella with you in case I should need it. All of you, be ready at a moment's notice."
"Right!" Kazuki said. All of them moved near and joined their right hands in the middle. "Let's do this for our friends, Speedy and Polly!"
Cerviche Household…
Meanwhile, Speedy was finishing taking a shower. He had spent a long time in there, making sure every part of him was soaped up and clean. No one had seen him without clothing since he was a small kitten. Tonight for the first time, someone would. Finally he stepped out and toweled himself off in time to hear Ben, Vanessa, Mallory, Ji Lin, and Heroshi come in, and Irving and Lydia greet them happily. "Where's my boy? Were's our bridegroom, huh?" Speedy threw on his clothes and went downstairs. His parent's friends were there, dressed in their best. "Here he is!" Ben crushed Speedy in a bear hug. "Hey there, Speedy! Today's the big day! Heh, Buddy?"
"Ben, let him breathe, for crying out loud!" Vanessa cried. "He has to say his vows tonight, ya know!"
Ben put Speedy down. "Oh, yeah, sorry." he laughed. "So, how you doing, Buddy? You excited? Ya nervous?" Speedy grinned.
"I thought I'd be really nervous, like ya see on TV…but to tell ya the truth, I'm just more excited than anything else! I guess it's because I know exactly what I'm doing." His eye took a dreamy look. "I'm marrying the most beautiful cat in Tokyo…who I'm madly in love with! The best part is she's in love with me! There's no pretending, no wooing, no impressing with her. It's so natural and easy…it always was."
"See? That's exactly what I told you from the start. If it's meant to be, you'll know, cause it will be natural and easy!" Irving said.
The door opened then, and Good Bird and Wally entered, both of them clad in their new suits. "Hey, Speedy! Hello, Mr. And Mrs. Cerviche," Good Bird said.
"Hi, guys!" Speedy greeted. "Oh, have you guys met Wally? Wally Omitsu, these are my late Dad's best friends. This is Ben, his wife Mallory, Vanesa, and her brothers Jo Lin and Hershi. This is Wally Omitsu, Lucille's brother.
After handshakes were exchanged, Wally smiled. So, Speedy, you ready to get dressed?"
"Isn't it kinda early?" Speedy looked at his watch. "And where's Guido?"
"Yeah, but the Father wants to meet with us at six-thirty to go over a few things," Good Bird explained. "Guido went to check on something. He'll be right here."
"Oh, OK. Excuse me, guys," Speedy went upstairs with Wally and Good Bird.
"Sit, sit all of you, have some tea!" Lydia said, heating it up.
"Ha, Speedy and Polly…OK, who saw this coming from a mile away?" Heroshi asked. All hands went up.
"Hard to believe…my little Godson is getting married!" Mallory sighed.' I remember when he couldn't even walk!"
"Yeah, what was his first word again? Mommy?"
"No, no, no, it was Daddy," Lydia said, coming in with the tea. " I know it was Daddy!"
Guido met Lucille outside the hotel after confirming the reservations at The Rising Sun and picking up the key. "So, this is it. Are you ready, my sweet?"
"Oh yes, Guido. Are you?"
"Yep. I just have to get my suit from the Pizza Parlor and make my way over to the Cerviche's."
"The Rescue Team is helping me move the flowers from my teahouse to the Church. Catton and Spritz told me they would stay and set up, the others went back to the Parlor to finish setting up.
Guido smiled. "May I escort you to the Esther home?"
Lucille curtsied. "You may."
"I still say that this will take forever," Hitomi told her daughter. "Not to mention that she has absolutely no idea how to be a traditional Japanese wife!"
"Mother, honestly. You know as well as I do that 'Polly' and 'tradition' do not mix at all!"
"You're her mother, you should have made them mix! You should have taught her things like how to sew and keep house…"
"But she didn't want to learn how to sew and keep house! Honestly, Mother! I was not about to force her to do anything, or be anything she didn't wish to be!"
"Why couldn't you at least teach her some parts of being a housewife?"
"Because THIS is the life she wanted! Now Mother, I want you to remember this…remember that this is her day! If you don't behave yourself I'm gonna have Guido kick you out!" Hitomi prepared to speak, but a knock at the door stopped her. Tane turned. "Come in!" Lucille and Francine came in, Francine carrying her makeup bag and both in their dresses. Lucille had done her hair like she did when she and Polly were The Pointless Sisters. "Hello, Lucille, Francine. Polly's upstairs. I think she's out of the shower.." she went to the foot of the stairs. "Polly?" she called. "Lucille and Francine are here. I'm sending them up."
"OK, Mom, tell them the door's open."
Tane smiled. " I guess she's out. She's in her room."
"Thank you," Lucille smiled.
Over at the Pizza Cats' Restaurant…
Cosmo entered the restaurant with a covered bulging platter in his hand, which he proceeded to place on top of the nearest table and remove the cover. "Viola! My extra-special culinary surprise!" Myoshi and Speedy's and Polly's friends stared at the beautifully made lobster and shrimp dish in front of them.
"Cosmo!" Myoshi said. "where did you find all that lobster?"
"Oh, it's from our stash in the freezer! Remember, the one that we were saving for a special occasion? And as far as I'm concerned, when my brother's 2 best friends are about to get married, that's a special occasion!" Miyaka reached for the dish, Myoshi slapped her hand away.
"You best it is!" Myoshi agreed. "And I gotta say that that dish is gorgeous. They're gonna love it! So, I think we're all ready and it's almost time. Let's shower and dress. We don't wanna be late!"
Main Street of Little Tokyo…
"Wait'll I get my hands on Al," Princess Vi said, storming through the town on her way to the Holy Name Wedding Chapel. "When I get my hands on him, he's gonna have quite the earache! How dare he keep this a secret from me! Speedy? Polly? Those 2 are 2 of our country's biggest heroes! How can they just elope like this?! Without telling me? Their own Princess?!?! Oohh…just wait…" Her rantings were then interrupted when a large, dark shadow covered her. She quickly looked up. "whaaaaa…" she said as the sight of Cheese's huge robot loomed directly over her.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't our own little Ruler of Little Tokyo herself." Cheese's high- pitched annoying voice came over the loudspeaker. " How are ya this bright and lovely day, oh Princess Vi? How do ya like my new toy?"
"Seymour? What are you doing here? I thought I exiled you to Prisoners' Island!!"
"Oh ya did, and I appreciated it, had a marvelous time! Gave me time to think…and plan…and BUILD!! Like it?"
"You horrid traitor!! You idiotic jackass, how did you escape…it doesn't matter, cause when I get though with you…you're going back to Prisoners' Island!"
"You're going back to Prisoners' Island…you're going back to Prisoners' Island'…I'm getting sick to death of hearing that same spoiled, whiny cry all the time!! I'm tired of that threat, I'm tired of that whine…and I'm sick and tired of YOU!"
"Oh, just wait till I get my hands on you, you filthy rodent, you're gonna be sorry you ever snuck away…"
"Take it easy, oh High and Mighty Ruler…you're frightening me! HA HA HA HA!!! One problem with that, though, oh Mighty Princess….how do you plan to get up here to do it?!"
"Once Al hears of this, he'll.."
"He'll what? Call the Pizza Cats?! He won't have to. For your information, we're on our way to see them right now, to 'congratulate' them on their marriage…too bad it's not gonna last a day!!!"
"Cheese, you leave them alone!!! I forbid you to do anything that will ruin their wedding day! I just want to talk to Al about this…but no one is to bother the ceremony at all, least of all you!!! So help me, if you even dare to show up there I'll…"
"You'll what?!"
"I'll do more than send you to Prisoners' Island!!!
"Oh, ya frighten me!!! Oh, ya frighten me!! In case you've forgotten, Oh Princess, I no longer work for you and I no longer take orders from you!!! Now stand back so I can begin my destiny!"
"YOUR destiny, Cheese?! The only destiny you'll have is a lifetime on Prisoner's Island!!"
"AW SHUT UP!!!!!" Cheese yelled so loud, that the ground began to shake.
"I couldn't have put it better myself Cheesy," Jerry said.
"Cheese, you'd better come down now! Like hell I'm gonna move!"
"Then you'll be blessed to have a front row seat to the beginning of the Reign of Seymour Cheese!! And to celebrate, let's put a little life in the party!" He aimed the 90mm shield-mounted gatling gun at Vi's feet, and called out, "DANCE!!" He began to fire right at her feet, causing her to jump and leap….just as Frieda and Fred caught up to her.
"No, hey, no…Cheese stop…no…no.stop…MAMA!!!!!!" she called. Frieda gasped at the giant robot shooting at her daughter.
"Cheese…you get away from my daughter…I mean now!!!!" she aimed her bazooka.
"Uh oh…Cheesy…I don't think it's safe for us to stay here…" Jerry said, eyeing the bazooka.
"Uh…I do think you're right, Jerry. Besides, we got a wedding to crash and Samurais to take care of. We're off!" Jerry put the robot into reverse...and just barely avoided Frieda's missiles.
"Mama…he's gonna crash the wedding! WE gotta try to find Al and warn him!"
"Fa-red!" Fred agreed.
Esther Household…
"Today, I'm getting married," Polly whispered to herself in the mirror, a mixture of excitement and joy. She had stayed in the shower for over an hour, making sure that every part of her was clean. Like Speedy, no one had ever fully seen her without clothes…and tonight the one she loved more than anything and anyone in the world would. After toweling off, she stepped into a bright white lacy negligie with white ribbons trailing down, a gift from Francine at her wedding shower. There was a loud knock at her door, and Francine and Lucille both came in, looking gorgeous in their new dresses.
"Here comes the bride!" Francine sang out, running to hug Polly. "I am so excited!"
"Francine, Lucille,…you guys look beautiful!!" Polly said happily. Sayaka entered then.
"Hi, sis!"
"Oh, you look beautiful too!!" Polly hugged her sister. "I can't believe how amazing you all look!"
Francine emptied her makeup bag on the nightstand. "Ready for me to do your makeup?"
"Wait, put my robe over your dress so you don't get anything on it," Polly handed Francine her robe.
"OK, sit. Lucille, I need the foundation."
Guido finally reached the Cerviche house in his brand new suit and knocked on the door. Lydia happily answered it. "Hi, Guido."
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Cerviche. How's Speedy doing?"
"He's excited as all get out, as are we. Come in, please come in. Wally and Good Bird are already upstairs."
Guido popped his head in to say hello to Speedy's father's friends, and then he headed upstairs. He knocked softly, and then he opened the door. Speedy's eyes lit up as he saw his friend standing there. "Howdy, Guido."
"Hey guys, how's it going?:"
"We're all right, he's as nervous as anything!" Good Bird said, pointing at Speedy.
"How do you know?" Guido asked.
"He keeps telling us he's not!" Good Bird said, causing Speedy to blush. Guido came up and punched him lightly on the arm.
"It's OK, Speedo. It's natural to feel that way. This is a big day for ya."
"Thanks, Guido," Speedy smiled. "I really do love her."
"I know."
"So, got the rings?"
"Right here, Buddy," Guido said taking them out of his pocket. "Oh, and I got the carnations for our suits." he passed them around.
"Thanks, Guido," Speedy put his in his buttonhole, took some cologne, splashed it on, and passed it to Guido who did the same. They all looked in the mirror and Speedy grinned. "We don't look half bad, Guido."
"Nope, can't say we do, Speedy." Guido turned away from the mirror. But, Speedy..I just wanna tell ya that I'm really happy for both you and Polly. I know that in the past we haven't gotten along, but I do hope you know that despite our differences..I do admire you and Polly very much…and I wish you both nothing but the best."
"Thanks, Guido…that means a lot," Speedy gave Guido a huge hug.
Guido looked at his watch. "Oh, before I forget, Speedy, Minister Kaito wanted to go over a few things before the wedding, so we'd better go now."
"Yeah, Good Bird told me. OK, let's get going, then!" Speedy said happily. He, Wally, Good Bird, and Guido started down the stairs, meeting Irving and Lydia down at the bottom. Lydia gasped when she saw her nephew.
"Oh, Speedy," she gasped. "Oh, Honey…you're so handsome.." she ran over and hugged him tightly. "Polly won't be able to take her eyes off you, tonight!"
Irving felt tears come to his own eyes as well. "Nephew, you're an absolutely incredible Cat- inside and out!" He walked over and hugged him. He held him at arm's length. At that moment..in the late afternoon sunlight..Speedy looked exactly like his father! "I wish my brother was here physically to see you now!" He sniffed.
"He IS here, Irving!" Lydia pointed out. "And both he and Kagome have the best seats in the house." She beamed at Speedy.
"You look exactly like my brother!" Irving said. "And I know he's so proud of you!"
Lydia sniffed. "You guys, we shouldn't just stand around here! We've got a wedding to go to! Come on, to the car!"
"Wait, wait, this is a special day, guys!" Guido said, leading them outside. "Let's have everything be special today!" he waved his hand…and from around the corner came a long black limousine! The Cerviche's all gasped at the sight of it.
"Wha…wha…Guido..ya didn't have to rent.." Speedy began.
"Say no more, Buddy," Guido said. "I want my best friend to go to his wedding in style!"
"Wow…that's…we all get…Guido..you outdid yourself..I'm impressed!' Wally said.
"Only the best for my buddy!" Guido said. "Come on now, let's all get in!"
"You guys go, I'll fly and meet Carla," Good Bird said.
Holy Name Wedding Chapel…
The Rescue Team had just finished setting up the flowers and putting the white wicker chairs into place. Spritz had just finished tying white ribbons around the chairs when Al and his wife made their way to the place. Al looked splendid in a new tuxedo and his wife in a lovely new violet kimono. "Good evening," he said happily. "This place looks perfect!"
"Thank you, Sir," Catton said. "We tried to make it look like something out of a pure fairy tale."
"You succeeded," He smiled at them. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
"Minister Kaito said he had a bight red carpet in his Church basement."
"And here it is!" Meowzma carried it out of the Church with the Minister right behind him. Al gave them a hand in rolling it out. Spritz and BatCat screwed the last of the candles into place, and then Meowzma and Catton went inside to move the piano before the musicians came.
"May God our Father shine down upon all of us on this blessed, holy day!"
"Amen to that, Father," Al said. His wife had a seat, as Al began to greet the guests as they came in.
"There, finally finished!" Francine said, waving her blush in the air. 'And ya look breathtaking if I say so myself! Just call me Michaelangelo!"
"Sign my face when you're done and you're dead!" Polly warned.
Lucille got tears in her eyes. Sayaka rubbed her shoulders. "You look like Cinderella!"
"Can I look in the mirror?" Polly asked. Francine waved her toward it. Polly gasped when she saw it. "It…it looks beautiful!!"
"Didn't I tell ya you would?" Francine smiled. "Come on now, step into the dress!" Polly took the plastic off her newly cleaned and pressed dress, stepped into it, and Lucille zipped her up. Polly turned around slowly. "Well, is it OK?"
"Oh, Sis," Sayaka said with tears in her eyes. "You're beautiful!"
"Don't," Polly said. "If you guys cry, I'll cry!"
"Cry and I'll kill you," Francine said. "Don't you ruin my perfectly applied makeup!"
"OK, OK, no tears," Sayaka said.
"Do you wanna borrow my perfume?" Lucille asked.
"No, thank you," Polly took her own bottle of perfume and sprayed herself behind her ears and a little on her tail. "This is Speedy's favorite," she winked. She then reached on her dresser for the one thing she knew she couldn't forget….the lovely crane necklace that belonged to Speedy's mother. She put it on and let the diamond crane rest gently against her throat. A knock was heard from the door and Tane entered…and gasped. She had not seen Polly in her wedding dress before.
"Oh, Polly," she said through tears. "Oh, Honey, you're so lovely!" She was holding her own cleaned and pressed wedding veil. Pure white lace held in place with a tiny gold crown. She walked up to her daughter. "You know I don't agree with your Grandmother at all. You're a wonderful daughter and respectable young woman. You're truly an honor to the Esther family."
"You have been a loving, kind, and amazing daughter," Akira added, hugging Polly to him.
"Thank you, Dad," Polly said tearfully.
Tane held out her veil. "I've longed since dreamed of putting your Grandmother's wedding veil on you," she smiled.
"Let's get you ready," Akira said.
"But, Dad, it's only around six-thirty," Polly pointed out.
"I know, but Kaito wanted to meet with us earlier to go over the ceremony."
Tane brushed Polly's hair until it shone, fixed the veil on her head, and lifted the short part in the air, putting it over her face. Lucille passed out the flowers, ending with Polly's, bright white lotus blossoms with ivory ribbons trailing down.
"Well Ladies," Akira asked. "Shall we go to a wedding?"
"Come, to the Church," Tane announced. "There stands a husband to make her a wife!"
They all made their way down the stairs. Francine loudly cleared her throat. "Atttention, all! The bride is ready!" Everyone went silent as Akira, Tane, and Sayaka came down the stairs. Finally, Polly came down in her dress and veil helped by Lucille. All her relatives 'Oohed' and 'ahhed'. and broke into applause. Hitomi in particular was moved. She went to hug Polly.
"Dear…you're so beautiful!!" she smiled. "I hope that veil is as lucky for you as it was for me!"
"Oh, Grandmama!" she grinned from ear to ear and hugged her again,. "I'm just so happy!' she whispered.
"You feel your life is just beginning?" Polly nodded. 'It was like that for me, too."
"OK, all, to the Church! WE mustn't keep the groom waiting! It's rude!"
Back at the church…
A little while later, Spritz had just finished seating the last guest,. Taking a good look around, he announced, "Everyone's here, and our guests of honor should be along any minute!"
"I still can't believe Guido pulled this off!" Myoshi said.
"Yeah, a surprise wedding..who knew my brother was capable of this? I'm really impressed!"
"They did it all themselves, the best man, the maid-of-honor," Sylvia whispered to her husband.
"Surprise wedding, great idea...wonder why ya don't see more of these?" one of Polly's cousins cracked.
"Still can't believe she's getting married! HER!!" Another cousin said.
"What can we say? Speedy's got patience to rival Joan of Arc."
Finally a black limo pulled up, followed by the Esther's car.
"They're coming…they're here!" Al announced. As Speedy and Polly and their families got out of the cars, Guido took Speedy's shoulder.
"Ok, right over here!" He lead them down…just in time for them to hear everyone else call out, "SURPRISE!!!"
Speedy and Polly both stood dumbfounded at the beautiful fairytale-like scene before them, as everyone applauded. They took in the scene. The bright red carpet led from where they stood to the gold podium where Minister Kaito was standing with a smile on his face. White chairs formed four rows and were tied with white ribbons. Candles glowed from the ends of the rows in black holders and flowers covered the scene. Finally Speedy and Polly slowly turned to Guido.
"Guido….what's going on?" Speedy asked suspiciously.
"We're throwing you a WEDDING!! Right NOW!" Wally cried out. Everyone applauded from their seats.
"Whoa….whoa..uh, come again?" Speedy asked, as Polly's hand went to her open mouth.
Guido smiled. "Speedy, Polly…you two are getting married right now!"
"Wha..what?" Speedy said, still shocked. "Wha..now!! As in, right now, right now?"
"Yeah!" Francine said. "You and Polly are getting married right now! Surprise!"
"So…wait…let me see if I have this..instead of eight-thirty wedding.."
"It's a six-thirty wedding! You do'nt mind having it early, do you?"
"Mind?! No, no of course not!" Speedy said.
"So..you and Guido have been planning this, huh?" Polly asked.
"Actually, Guido was! This was his whole idea!"
Speedy turned to Guido. "Guido…YOU did this?!"
"Yeah, I did. This is my way of saying that I'm really very sorry for all I did to you, and thank you for forgiving me, and for letting us all be friends. This…" he waved his arm around, indicating the beach, "This whole ceremony, including the limo and my card, is my gift to you!"
Speedy and Polly looked at each other, touched beyond belief. "Guido…it's…I hardly know what to say…" Speedy said, all choked up.
"I was so grateful that you let us start over, and let all three of us be friends, I wanted to do something special to pay you both back. So, here it is. The exact wedding you wanted to have. It's my way of saying thank you! But I can't take all the credit. I got Myoshi, Cosmo, Al, Lucille, Francine, and the Rescue Team all to help!"
"But it was Guido's idea!" Lucille said. "Guido was the one that came up with the idea and planned everything, including inviting all your friends."
Speedy shook Guido's hand , too touched to even speak at first, but finally pulling him into a hug. "Guido..this..it's the nicest thing..thank you.." Polly then hugged Guido gently.
"You guys, we shouldn't all stand around like statues!" Sayaka pointed out. "We have a wedding to get ready for!"
A few minutes later, the wedding party was all ready to begin. Minister Kaito signaled to the singer Lucille hired, who began:
'Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart Be thou my wisdom, thou my true word Be thou my battleshield, sword for the fight Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise High King of Heaven, after victory won
Naught be all else to me save that thou art
Thou my best thought by day or by night
Waking or sleeping thy presence my light.
I ever with thee, thou with me, Lord
Thou my great Father, I thy true Son
Thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one.
Be thou my dignity, thou my delight
Thou my soul's shelter, thou my high tower
Raise thou me Heavenward, O power of my power.
Thou mine inheritance, now and always
Thou and thou only, first in my heart
High King of Heaven, my treasure thou art.
May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heaven's sun
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.'
As the song played, Irving escorted Lydia down the aisle. While Speedy stood next to Minister Kaito at the end of the aisle, Guido took his place next to Speedy. "Well," he whispered. "This is it, good luck, Buddy!" he shook his hand.
"Thanks, Pal!"
Lydia gave Speedy a kiss before she and Irving sat down in front. General Catton then came down, escorting Tane to the front chair on the other side. Al then proudly made his way down, stopping to shake Speedy's hand before sitting next to Irving. Meowzma then came escorting his wife. Francine came next, escorted by Spritz and stood to the right, Spritz stood to the left. Good Bird and Carla then came down, separating at the front, Carla to the right, Good Bird to the left, stopping to shake Speedy's hand. Sayaka came down, escorted by BatCat. She hugged Speedy before they took their place. Lucille then came down the aisle by herself, blinking away happy tears.
All the guests then rose to their feet as Polly, escorted by her father, entered and came up the aisle. Everyone gasped at how beautiful she was, none more so than Speedy, who looked upon his bride with enchantment. Polly's eyes locked with Speedy's and they forgot anyone else was there. They smiled at each other with love and tenderness as Polly reached him. Tane stood up as they reached the end, and both her and Akira took off Polly's veil and kissed her tenderly before shaking Speedy's hand, putting her hand into his and stepping back to the front as the guests sat back down.
"Friends, family," Kaito began after the opening prayer, "We are gathered here today, on this blessed occasion, to unite together this man and woman under God. This is indeed a very special moment, for these are two very special people. It was only a short time ago that our own town was almost destroyed by a large comet, and both of these brave individuals, along with Mr. Anchovy, risked and very nearly gave their lives to save all of us. We call Speedy and Polly heroes. That they are indeed, but more than anything they are children of our community. We love them, we care about them, we admire and respect them. Speedy, and Polly, it is with great joy that we share with you this, your wedding day. Speedy and Polly have chosen this day, the birthday of Speedy's mother, who is now part of the World of Eternity to pledge their love for one another. Speedy has informed me that he chose his mother's birthday to join his life with Polly's in order to honor Kagome's memory. For she, along with Speedy's father, Jon, were his biggest influence and hardest cheerleaders, who also treated Polly like a daughter. I can't think of a more fitting way to honor her than to marry her beloved son on this day, in the same way God our Father pledged his love for us by sending down his Son." He stopped then and laughed a bit. "I also cannot resist the urge to share a memory of the bride, who I've known since I first poured Holy Water on her tiny forehead years ago. Speedy, Polly has always been a woman who knows her own mind," Giggles came from the audience. Polly blushed a bit. "As I'm sure many of you know," he added, making them laugh again. "But with her as a wife, you shall never want. Even as a small child she was an expert fundraiser at my Church. At seven, she was known to say in a loud booming voice to those who put change in my collection plate, "I don't wanna hear the clank of coins, only the rustle of bills!"
"BIG surprise!", came a voice. Polly raised her hand in a 'thank you' wave, and everyone laughed.
"And some things never change," Kaito continued, before getting serious again. "And as her husband, Speedy..I trust that you will help influence her faith in miracles and help her make the impossible happen. That's Polly's strength, and her beauty. We have known both of these two, Speedy, Polly, for a long time. All of us have seen the deep friendship they have shared for many years…and have watched it grow and develop..until it had finally matured into love! The basis for any marriage is love. Deep, pure love. Nothing makes sense without love. It transforms justice to compassion, interest to concern, wisdom to understanding, it lasts when all else fails. I do tell you now, there is so much love right here..frst of all the love you both have for one another. The love of your family, the love of your friends, and the love of those who have loved you who are now part of Heaven but their love is shining, radiating on both of you today."
Minister Kaito then began the process of uniting Speedy and Polly as husband and wife. He said, "Speedy Yattaro Cerviche, do you in the eyes of God and our Lord Jesus Christ take this woman to be your wife? Do you promise to live together in the Holy estate of marriage? To love, honor, respect, and cherish her, and forsaking all others keep only onto her until death parts you?"
"I do," Speedy said, gazing at Polly with awe.
"Polly Pururun Esther, do you in the eyes of God and our Lord Jesus Christ take this man to be your husband? Do you promise to live together in the Holy estate of marriage? To love, honor, respect, and cherish him, and forsaking all others keep only onto him until death parts you?"
"I do," Polly said with tears in her eyes.
"Now it is time to receive blessings from family friends, all who love you. May their love and support add joy to your hearts in times of happiness and support in times of sorrow. If there is anyone present who can show just cause why these two may not be joined together, let them now speak or forever hold his peace." Silence reigned. But before he could continue suddenly the ground shook and an all too unwelcome voice bellowed out.
"It's my turn to say it! I do!! I object!!" Suddenly Cheese's robot appeared over the ceremony. "I OBJECT!!! STOP THIS WEDDING!!!"
The guests all gasped. Speedy, Guido, and Polly's friends reached for their weapons. Guido came forward. He called out, "What the hell are you doing here, Seymour?!"
"I came to sing 'Camptown Races'…what do you think I'm doing here?!"
"Cheese, I swear you'd better get out of here right now!!" Guido called.
"Why should I? Hell, ya all should thank me for breaking this up! But no one more so than Speedy…HAHAHA!!" He paused to catch his breath, and then he said, "I just saved him from a lifetime of headaches, numerous sore throats from fighting, and a lifetime of misery from that hotheaded Mt. Vesuvius!!!"
Lydia then stood up angrily. "Cheese, I don't know how you got back here, but you have NO RIGHT to say ANY of those things!! You listen you rotten rat, Polly may be hot-tempered, she might throw things when she's mad..but in a few hours she's gonna be something she's never been before in her life-a Cerviche-and no one insults a Cerviche!!!"
"AW, SHUT UP!!!!", Cheese cried out, aiming the gun at Lydia.
"YOU LEAVE MY AUNT ALONE, YOU LOUSY RODENT!!!", Speedy shouted. Lydia ducked and ran, as Speedy grabbed a Shuriken from his pocket and threw it at the arm of the robot, managing to steer it away.
"AHH…what was that?! YOU CARRY THAT STUFF WITH YA ALWAYS?!?!"
"Just about, Cheese," Speedy answered.
Myoshi grabbed Guido's umbrella, which she had hidden under her chair. "Brother!" she called, tossing it to Guido.
"Thanks, Myoshi!" Carla tossed Good Bird his sword.
"Now listen, Chedder Breath!" Guido said. "I don't care if I have to fight you all myself, you are NOT ruining this wedding!"