Disclaimer: I don't own zoids just my own characters.

Thomas: I'm sure they've heard it a million times by now, Shelly.

Shelly: Yeah, but I wanted to make sure so you won't have to sell your Dibison since your brother wouldn't let you sell his Iron Kong.

Thomas: *sheepish grin* Oh.

Dragonflame by Shelly

CHAPTER TWENTY


They all slept through the following day, awakening later that afternoon when Kiran informed them that he had seen a Whale King land nearby. Running outside, they saw Rudolph walking up the path towards them, escorted by Rosso and Viola. The emperor ran towards Tania, looking for all the world like a little kid again with a big smile on his face and his eyes flashing with happiness. She caught him in her embrace, laughing herself at receiving such a warm greeting.

"I'm so glad to see you all alive," he said as he stepped away from them. "When we lost contact with your Whale King, I immediately sent out another which I have now arrived on. What happened here? I heard talk of the skies last night which were lit up as bright as day."

"That's a story best left told later when there's more time," Van explained. "Right now, I'd like to get back home where it's safer."

"Tell me about it," Irvine added. "I hate being out here with no way to fight."

Tania smiled and turned towards Kiran. "Thank you for all you have done," she said. "I wish we could stay longer but I am anxious to return home."

He smiled. "I understand, although I had hoped you would stay for the celebration we were hoping to surprise you with tonight."

Rudolph's eyes lit up even more at the mention of a celebration. "Yes, let's stay!" he cried. "I don't know what it's all about but I would like to see it."

She laughed. "Whatever you command, Your Highness," she replied with a short bow towards him.



That night they were all sharing in a feast as big as the one that was given to her upon her arrival, the young emperor abandoning all restraints and having the time of his life. Rosso and Viola stood by watching him, happy to see him acting so carefree for once in his young life. There was music and dancing as they celebrated the Death Dragon's demise, glad to be rid of its evil presence once and for all.

Karl and Tania stayed close to each other, neither of them leaving the other alone for long after coming so close to being separated for eternity. At one point they were resting from a dance as they watched everyone else continue to the beat of the music.

"Tania, I have something I wish to ask you," he began.

She smiled. "What is it?"

He took her hand which wore his ring and brought it up to his lips for a kiss. "I wish us to be married as soon as we return to the palace," he said.

She gazed up at him, scared and thrilled all at the same time. Scared as she had not expected this to happen so soon and thrilled that it was finally happening as she had dreamed of it for so long. "Karl--"

He hushed her with a finger to her lips after seeing the conflicting emotions in her eyes. "We don't have to do this right away," he suggested. "We can wait awhile."

She smiled in relief. "A month after we get back," she replied. "How's that? After all, it takes time to plan a wedding, but I think with Moonbay and Fiona's help I could do it in a month. Any longer than that and I might die from excitement as I am just as anxious to marry you, my love."

He pulled her into his arms to hold her tightly. "A month it shall be then," he agreed. "I will be anxiously awaiting for that day to come."

Laughing, she kissed him firmly before releasing him to go and tell Fiona and Moonbay the good news, Karl shaking his head as he watched her run off to find them.



The Whale King departed shortly after the celebration had ended, everyone saying their goodbyes as they promised to return one day to visit with them again. During the trip back, Karl saw very little of his future wife just as Van missed Fiona's presence, causing them both to hang around each other instead.

"Fiona and Moonbay are both having fun helping Tania plan the wedding," Van commented. "It sounds like it's going to be beautiful."

Karl smiled. "Whatever makes her happy," he replied. "Van, I have a request I wish to make of you. As is customary, Thomas will be my best man, but I want you to be second behind him if you would like."

Van was honored to be presented with the privilege of being in his wedding. "I am honored you would ask me," he said. "Thank you, I would be glad to."

At that time Thomas came walking towards them, and Van departed at a glance from Karl to give them time alone. "Hi, big brother," Thomas greeted him.

Karl smiled, for the first time not bothering to correct him in being so informal with him, and it had taken a horrifying experience to make him realize that family meant more to him than anything else than rules and regulations on behavior. "Thomas," he returned. "I want to ask you to do something for me which I think you deserve, especially given the times you have supported me lately, and I want to do this as a way of thanking you. I'm sure you have heard Tania and I plan to be married a month after we return."

Thomas' eyes widened. "No, I hadn't," he replied. "Congratulations!"

"I guess everyone wanted me to be the one to tell you," Karl laughed. "I want you to be my best man, Thomas. I could think of no one better suited for the honor as you are my brother and I love you."

The younger brother's eyes softened. "I don't know what to say," he said. "Thank you, Karl. You couldn't have chosen a better woman to marry than Tania."

"Of course," he smiled. "That's why I'm marrying her!"

They both joined in laughter as they threw their arm around each other's shoulders and walked away to join Van and Irvine.



Soon they arrived at the Palace, and Tania had never been so happy to come back to a place where deceit waited around every corner to snag the person who was unaware of it. But there was just as much beauty and friendship to counteract the bad, and she had the feeling that she had finally come home.

No sooner had Tania and Karl gotten inside their suite than a little whirlwind burst through the door, screaming at the top of her lungs at an embarrassed Rudolph. "How dare you not tell me before that Colonel Shubaltz was getting married! We've lost valuable time already in planning the wedding!"

Tania looked upon the young girl in surprise, not knowing what to say. "Karl, who is she?"

Karl laughed. "That is Marianne, Rudolph's fiancé," he answered.

She smiled. "Oh, so I'm not the only one getting married around here," she said, eying Rudolph speculatively. "I'm hurt that you didn't tell me, Rudolph."

He smiled as he scratched the back of his head. "Well, there was so much going on I didn't want to cause any distractions."

Just then Marianne curtsied in front of both of them. "Nice to meet you, Tania. I'm so happy that Colonel Shubaltz is finally getting married. If you will allow me, I would like to help in planning a wedding that you both deserve, a wedding which will tell everyone how much you both love each other. And what's best, Rudolph has agreed to pay for everything! Isn't that great?!" she giggled.

Tania was surprised and shocked that the emperor would be so generous, and she looked to Karl to see what he thought. He shrugged as if to say whatever she wanted was hers for the taking, and she looked at the small girl standing in front of her with a hopeful look in her eyes. "That's fine with me, Marianne," she gave in. "But I will tell you now that I have two others helping me as well, and I value their input as much as yours."

Marianne couldn't contain her joy. "Oh, thank you very much! I fully understand as this is your wedding after all! Now to observe the rituals of marriage, by no means are you both to sleep in this room together. It helps make the groom more eager to wed his bride. Colonel Shubaltz, let's go. Right now! We've got a wedding to plan!" she said, taking his hand and attempting to drag him away.

He looked to Tania, who stood there covering her grin with her hand and waving with the other, and he surrendered with a sigh as he had hoped they would at least be able to see each other before the wedding. But perhaps it was a good thing as he would have plenty of time to think on what to give her for a wedding present.

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Next chapter: The wedding bells are ringing as Karl and Tania are finally married!

Thomas: Yay! I wonder if I'll ever get married?

Shelly: Don't worry, Thomas. I'm sure there are plenty of girls out there that want to marry you.

Thanks for reading! Sorry to say, but the next chapter will be the last! *sob!*