This is my first Zoids fanfic. Hope you will like to read this story.
Introduction: Months after the battle of the Final Four, Van Freiheit was given an honorary citizenship by both the Empire and the Republic for his heroic acts in defeating the Death Stinger. This meant that he could travel between both nations at will.
Chapter 1: A good day
It was a bright sunny afternoon.
Meanwhile, in a grand church in the capitol city of the Helic Republic, there were thousands of people waiting to witness a marriage of two couples. Even Emperor Rudolph and Madam President were there.
Whose marriage would be that important that the two leaders of both nations would be present?
* * * * * * * * *
In a mansion in a Republican town, two Zoids stood outside. Both of them had red roses put as decorations on their hatches. It looked awkward on them though.
One was a Blade Liger while another was the Lightning Saix. There was also a silver organoid beside the Blade Liger.
In a room of the mansion . . .
Fiona was trying hard to fit into her pure white dress. Her slightly bulging stomach prevented her from fitting into it.
Moonbay exclaimed, " How careless van is! This dress is too tight for you. Where the hell can we find another dress to fit you? And the ceremony is going to start in about an hour's time only!"
Fiona just smiled at her. "I'm sure that Van's sister will help us."
The door opened slowly and a girl who wore elegant clothing entered the room.
"Yes. I apologise for my brother's carelessness. Come on, Fiona, try this dress. I ordered another dress for two days ago because I knew this would happen." Sighed Maria at the two girls.
Fiona took out her unfitting dress and took the new dress from Maria.
"Thank you." Fiona said.
Moonbay was wearing a dark blue gown trimmed by the sides and a diamond necklace was hung from her neck. Her long dark brownish hair was tied up in a bun.
While Moonbay was scolding Van, she was also putting on her make up. In seconds, her face had become quite colorful. She had her mascara put on with light blue eye shadows. Her lips were red as an apple.
Maria looked at Moonbay with pleasant surprise, " You look gorgeous! Irvine would love it!"
"Is it?" Moonbay blushed a little.
Then, the changing room's door opened again.
Two heads popped into the opening.
Fiona was still changing and she quickly turned her back away from the door. Mariah dashed to the door and pushed the two heads away.
"Get out! You two! This is the female changing room! You are not to barge in like that! Out out!" Mariah screamed at Irvine and Van. The door was then closed.
* * * * * * * * *
Outside the room, Irvine and Van were scratching their heads. Both of them were wearing tuxedo suits. Irvine's clothes were black while Van's clothes were white.
"Why do they take that long to just prepare?" Irvine asked Van.
Van shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe its because they are very vain?"
A voice from behind made them jump up slightly. "To think that only girls will gossip."
Moonbay was all dressed up. And standing right in front of both of them. Van's eyes nearly popped out while Irvine was just plainly mesmerized.
"You . . . you . . . you look pretty." Stammered Irvine. Van was still staring at Moonbay.
"I wander if Fiona would be just as pretty as you are?" asked Van.
Moonbay answered Van's question with a hit on van's head.
"Where are you looking? You should be looking at Fiona, not me! Pervert!"
"I'm not a pervert!"
"Then how do you explain Fiona's bulging stomach?"
"It is purely coincidental." Van said gently to Irvine and Moonbay.
Both of them smiled rather sheepishly.
"Hey people, how do you think of Fiona's new dress?" Mariah asked before helping Fiona out of the room.
Now, it was Van's turn to stammer.
"How do I look?" Fiona smiled sweetly at Van.
"Attractive."
Fiona also had her make up put on, but the colors are lighter than Moonbay's make up. Her lipstick was a shade of darker pink instead of red.
Her hair was also tied up in a bun made intact by a long bendable needle.
Maria looked at her watch and shouted quickly, "We better hurry. There is only forty minutes left for us to get there! Oh! The veil! I'll go and take it from the changing room. Hurry! Irvine, Van, start your Zoids!"
"Calm down, Sis. The Blade Liger and Lightning Saix will take only thirty minutes to reach the church." Van said.
"We have to slow down the speed for you, Fiona." Maria said. "If they rush, I'll kill Van." Maria stared at Van.
Van laughed, "I forgot."
"How can you forget? Anyway, help Fiona up to the Zoid while I take the hair veil for Fiona." Mariah rushed to the changing room and reappeared within seconds.
Moonbay and Irvine were already in the Lightning Saix. Mariah climbed into it too.
"Why are you here?"
"Zeke is with Van. And Fiona needs more space for herself too." Answered Maria.
"Whatever." Irvine said before starting his Zoid.
A screen popped out. Van had his face into it.
"We are ready, Irvine. We can go now." Van said.
Maria did not forget to remind his brother again, "Don't speed up too fast! Make the ride more smooth!"
Inside the Blade Liger, Van was communicating with Irvine by the screen.
"I know, sis. Can you stop nagging?"
"It is for Fiona's own good!"
Fiona, however, said, "Don't mind me. We must get there on time." Zeke agreed with Fiona by growling slightly.
"Okay." Maria contemplated.
* * * * * * * * *
The two Zoids set off for the church in the Republic.
Fiona looked at Van questionably.
"Why are your fingers trembling, Van? I'm sure you are very skilled in piloting the Blade Liger."
"I hate to admit this, but I think I am too nervous to drive properly!" Van grinned nervously.
Irvine was the same too. He was trembling in his Lightning Saix too.
Moonbay sighed, "If you find yourself too nervous, then let me pilot this thing."
"No way am I letting you take over this zoid. I know that you have been dieing to try but I am your man here, so I'll pilot it." Irvine grinned nervously too.
Moonbay was amused, "Even in the battle in Final Four, you are not nervous. To think that you would tremble at this time?"
"This is the first wedding I have, of course I'm nervous."
"You mean there will be another?"
Maria frowned while Irvine stammered once again, "That is . . .is . . .is not I mean."
"Just kidding, Irvine." Teased Moonbay.
Fiona was having the same thinking as Moonbay.
~ These two men are really nervous about their weddings. ~
* * * * * * * *
After thirty-five minutes, the two Zoids reached the church.
The two grooms and brides left their Zoids and walked into a chamber of the church.
Inside it was Queen Rudolph, Marianne, she rushed to the two brides side and unveiled their veils. She also put a chair for Fiona to sit. Moonbay stood beside her.
Marianne looked at their make-ups and spoke, "The make up are perfect! Who helped?"
"Maria helped to put my make up while Moonbay put on her own." Fiona replied Marianne.
The Queen spoke again, "Moonbay must be a vain person. Aren't you? Don't be nervous, girls."
"We are not nervous at all, your Highness. Irvine and Van are the ones who are nervous." Replied Moonbay sarcastically.
Fiona quickly defended Moonbay, "Moonbay likes to speak directly, don't mind her, Marianne."
"Never mind, I'm sure that Moonbay is lying. Why don't you just admit, Moonbay, your face is paling considerately."
"Who says so?" Irvine said. " My Moonbay is just as pretty as ever."
Marianne laughed, "Don't be mushy! I know both of you love each other. If not, why do you get married? Too bad there is no bridesmaid for you two couples."
"I don't mind. I can hold the flowers by myself." Fiona said.
"Don't forget about me. I will be leading Fiona up to the steps with Van. But what about Irvin and Moonbay, who shall lead Moonbay?"
"I am going to." Replied Marianne.
The others were shocked.
Marianne explained, "I want to help. I can only experience this once in a while."
"You have nothing better to do, dear." King Rudolph entered the chamber.
He went over to Marianne and put a hand on her head.
"You are such a busybody." He laughed.
"She just wants to help, Rudolph." Spoke Fiona.
Irvine, Moonbay and Van all kneeled down to She rose to bend her knees at the King. But he stopped her.
"You do not need to kneel to me. Careful of your own self."
"Thank you." Van stood up and helped Fiona.
Rudolph spoke again, "There is only three minutes left, I think all of you should make your way to the Hall. Marianne, you can stay here and do as you wish. Bye bye."
He disappeared out of the chamber.
Marianne put back the brides' veil and clapped her hands.
Two men appeared. They were Thomas Shubaltz and Karl Shubaltz.
Irvine and Van smiled at their two friends. Thomas noticed Maria and smiled, nodding at her. He knew her as he had met her before.
Maria blushed and turned her head away from Thomas.
"Congratulations, to all of you. But I think that the grooms have to make their way to the Hall." Karl beamed.
Irvine and Van left the chamber.
Moonbay and Fiona were left to wait for the time for them to go while Marianne polished the two brides' makeup.
Two minutes after Irvin and Van left the chamber, their future wives also proceeded to the Hall.
* * * * * * * *
Maria and Marianne propped up their gowns, which had the bottom dress brushing the red carpet, as Moonbay and Fiona walked slowly towards the Church Priest and their future husbands. On Maria and Marianna hands were small trays holding the wedding rings.
They put the trays on two tall tables beside the grooms.
Everyone in the church was silent as they witnessed the marriage.
Irvine and Van looked at them approaching them and their legs started to shake slightly.
Marianne noticed it but tried very hard to suppress her laughter. The two men looked so cute with their faces reddening. They were looking intently at their about-to-be wives.
However, Maria was just looking at the floor and oblivious to everything. She could feel four eyes looking at her intently.
The Church Priest was the village priest from the Wind Colony. He tore his glance at her once Moonbay and Fiona reached him a step away.
Clearing his throat, he started the ceremony. "We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite our two couples today. Should there be anyone who has cause why this couple should not be united in marriage, they must speak now or forever hold their peace." He paused before continuing. Moonbay and Fiona were escorted further forward.
Marianne and Maria left them and got to their seats. The latter sat on the first row, which coincidentally, Thomas was sitting at the first row too. Marianne went to her husband and sat down. Their hands were crossed.
Van and Irvine took Fiona and Moonbay's hands respectively.
Moonbay and Fiona could not stop themselves from smiling. The hands that they took were very sticky.
Van and Irvine could only smile back at them sheepishly.
"We shall start with the couple of Van and Fiona first." The priest smiled warmly at Van.
"Van and Fiona, I would ask that you both remember to treat yourself and each other with respect, and remind yourself often of what brought you together today. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your marriage deserves. When frustration and difficulty assail your marriage - as they do to every relationship at one time or another - focus on what still seems right between you, not only the part that seems wrong. This way, when clouds of trouble hide the sun in your lives and you lose sight of it for a moment, you can remember that the sun is still there. And if each of you will take responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.
Van Freiheit, do you take Fiona Alice Lynette to be your wife?"
"I do." Van spoke loudly. His voice was quite unstable. There was muffled laughter coming from the audience, most notably Thomas Shubaltz.
"Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only unto her?"
"I do."
"Fiona Alice Lynette. Do you take Van Freiheit to be your husband?"
"I do." Fiona replied in a small but clear voice.
"Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only unto him?"
"I do."
The priest turned away from both of them towards Irvine and Moonbay.
Irvine and Moonbay, I would ask that you both remember to treat yourself and each other with respect, and remind yourself often of what brought you together today. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your marriage deserves. When frustration and difficulty assail your marriage - as they do to every relationship at one time or another - focus on what still seems right between you, not only the part that seems wrong. This way, when clouds of trouble hide the sun in your lives and you lose sight of it for a moment, you can remember that the sun is still there. And if each of you will take responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.
Irvine Cloud, do you take Moonbay Samuels to be your wife?"
"I do." Irvine shouted too, his voice was slightly higher pitched than usual. Thomas could no longer suppress his laughter.
Everyone looked at him reprovingly. Maria was glaring at him while Irvin was somewhat embarrassed.
'I will kill him when this finishes.' Irvine swore.
The priest cleared his throat again and continued, "Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only unto her?"
"I do."
"Moonbay Samuels, do you take Irvine Cloud to be your husband?"
"I do." She smiled beautifully. There was a slight waver in her voice but no one laughed.
"Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only unto him?"
"I do."
"Good. Wedding rings are an outward and visible sign of an inward spiritual grace and the unbroken circle of love, signifying to all the union of the two couples before me. You may exchange your rings now."
Van and Irvin first put the rings on Fiona and Moonbay's fourth finger before the two women helped their husbands to put on the rings.
"Ladies and gentlemen present, I hereby announce that these two couples are husbands and wife.
After this, the Hall was filled with clapping from the witnesses present.
Most people present were soldiers of the Guardian Force. They knew both Irvine and Van quite well, so they were all invited to attend the wedding.
Irvine and Van escorted their wives down the red carpet.
Irvine gave Thomas a dead glare as he walked down the carpet.
"Serves you right." Spoke Maria. Her eyes were quite red. She was so touched!
The priest caught Maria's arms just as she left along with the crowd. Thomas looked at them for a while before exiting the hall too.
"Please let go of me." Maria spoke softly. "We can never be together, Mr. Priest."
"Why?" He tightened his grip.
"It hurts!" Maria squinted her eyes a bit. Just then, Thomas turned his head around and saw it.
Angrily, he rushed to Maria and punched the priest. The priest dropped to the floor as people who were still in the Hall saw the incident.
Immediately, Thomas pulled Maria away from the priest and out of the Hall.
"How can you hit him?" Maria confronted Thomas.
"You don't want me to?" Thomas' eyes narrowed a little.
"I just don't want anyone to be hurt today." She cried as she ran away from Thomas.
Thomas did not pull her back. Instead, he punched a pillar of the church. Someone patted Thomas' back.
Karl was smiling at him.
"Go after her, Thomas, if you like her."
Thomas blushed scarlet at his brother's remarks but ran after her anyway.
'Thomas may well be the one next to marry." Karl mused.
* * * * * * * *
Maria ran towards the direction of where a huge crowd was.
Fiona and Moonbay were going to throw their bouquet of flowers to the crowd.
Thomas caught up with Maria and dashed in front of her.
"Pant . . . I am sorry . . . for what I did . . ." Thomas panted heavily.
Maria looked at Thomas mildly surprised. "It should be me who should apologize." Maria spoke softly at Thomas.
Just then, something overshadowed her and she caught it out of instinct. Then, there were cheers coming towards Maria.
In her hands was the bouquet of flowers that Moonbay threw.
Someone shouted at Maria, "You will get married next! Who will be next?"
Maria blushed heavily.
Next, Fiona also threw her bouquet of flowers. Surprisingly, it went to Thomas!
The crowd went semi-wild. The same person who shouted at Maria spoke loudly, "Thomas will get married in near future to!"
"Nonsense." Thomas chided, getting boos from the woman in the crowd.
Irvine approached Thomas and slapped Thomas back.
"I'll like to see you nervous in church and would love to laugh at you if you get nervous!"
"Irvine. Don't be such a petty guy." Maria said quickly then blushed scarlet again.
Irvine wanted to tease them but Moonbay caught his hand and dragged him away from Thomas and Maria.
"Idiot! Let them be alone." Scolded Moonbay.
"Why? . . . Don't tell me that . . . they really like each other?"
"Yes. So do Thomas a favor, can you?" spoke Van who was listening to the newly wed couple's conversation.
Irvine smirked, " Scared that Thomas will come and disturb you and Fiona so much so that you need him to get attached?"
"Of course not!" Van exclaimed.
"Congratulations, Van, Irvine and Moonbay. Where is Fiona?" Raven and Reice walked together and went over to talk with the brides and grooms only to see one bride missing.
Raven and Van's rivalry were settled by one match, which they tied. In the past, raven was controlled by Prozen so he and van could not be friends.
But after the war, they decided to become friends because they are both talented pilots who had worked hand in hand with each other in defeating the death Stinger.
Raven was also given an honorary citizenship but he chose to travel around Planet Zi with Reice instead.
Reice left them when she saw Fiona not around. Van answered her question, "She's beside the Blade Liger taking a rest. I don't want her to tire out."
"How caring, Van." Reice said but her eyes were unusually darkened. "I'll go and find her then."
* * * * * * * * *
"Fiona." Called Reice. Her organoid Specula growled and walked towards Zeke.
They communicated and Zeke seemed to be a little flustered, but he still left with Specula. Fiona and Reice were left alone beside the Blade Liger.
Fiona looked up and called her back, "Reice."
They were silent.
"How many months is your child right now?"
"It's been four months. Time really goes fast." Fiona replied.
Reice became harsher with her words.
"This is dangerous for you! Van is a human. You are an Ancient Zoidian. Do you know about the curse? It must have come true and meaning you!"
"What curse? I never heard that I could marry a human before?" Fiona asked with a worry surfacing from her heart.
"Don't you remember? A Zoidian elder warned us of the harm and destruction that the zooids eve would bring and we still carried on with it and what happened? Planet Zi was nearly wiped out!"
"So what? Are you coming here to say that I should not be Van's wife?" Fiona rebutted.
"Let me finish. The same elder also prophesized something. I'll let you remember more about it." Reice put her finger at Fiona's forehead markings and a bright light surrounded them.
Van, Irvine and Moonbay saw the light and Van ran towards it. "Fiona!" He saw the light from Blade Liger's direction.
Moonbay wanted to run over there too but she fell. Just as she was touching the floor, Irvine saved her and carried her in his arms before running after Van.
Monbay flushed as onlookers looked at them interestingly.
When Van reached his Zoid, Fiona was gone.
"Fiona!"
"Calm down, Van. Reice has taken somewhere." Raven spoke with a sigh.
"What do you know about this?" Van caught Raven's collar by force.
"Reice told me that she was going to tell Fiona a truth. I only know this much."
"Sorry." Van let go of Raven.
"Where are they then?"
Raven smirked, "The Valley of the Rare-Hertz."
* * * * * * *
I wanted to start the next chapter with a new beginning for Van and Fiona but the first chapter is just too long, so I'll do that in the third chapter! This means that the next chapter will be a short one.
This is my first Zoids fanfiction. If you find something wrong with my story, please flame me, but no vulgar language please. Please read and review! I will only write the next chapter if I get reviews.
Thank you.
Signed Virginia.
Introduction: Months after the battle of the Final Four, Van Freiheit was given an honorary citizenship by both the Empire and the Republic for his heroic acts in defeating the Death Stinger. This meant that he could travel between both nations at will.
Chapter 1: A good day
It was a bright sunny afternoon.
Meanwhile, in a grand church in the capitol city of the Helic Republic, there were thousands of people waiting to witness a marriage of two couples. Even Emperor Rudolph and Madam President were there.
Whose marriage would be that important that the two leaders of both nations would be present?
* * * * * * * * *
In a mansion in a Republican town, two Zoids stood outside. Both of them had red roses put as decorations on their hatches. It looked awkward on them though.
One was a Blade Liger while another was the Lightning Saix. There was also a silver organoid beside the Blade Liger.
In a room of the mansion . . .
Fiona was trying hard to fit into her pure white dress. Her slightly bulging stomach prevented her from fitting into it.
Moonbay exclaimed, " How careless van is! This dress is too tight for you. Where the hell can we find another dress to fit you? And the ceremony is going to start in about an hour's time only!"
Fiona just smiled at her. "I'm sure that Van's sister will help us."
The door opened slowly and a girl who wore elegant clothing entered the room.
"Yes. I apologise for my brother's carelessness. Come on, Fiona, try this dress. I ordered another dress for two days ago because I knew this would happen." Sighed Maria at the two girls.
Fiona took out her unfitting dress and took the new dress from Maria.
"Thank you." Fiona said.
Moonbay was wearing a dark blue gown trimmed by the sides and a diamond necklace was hung from her neck. Her long dark brownish hair was tied up in a bun.
While Moonbay was scolding Van, she was also putting on her make up. In seconds, her face had become quite colorful. She had her mascara put on with light blue eye shadows. Her lips were red as an apple.
Maria looked at Moonbay with pleasant surprise, " You look gorgeous! Irvine would love it!"
"Is it?" Moonbay blushed a little.
Then, the changing room's door opened again.
Two heads popped into the opening.
Fiona was still changing and she quickly turned her back away from the door. Mariah dashed to the door and pushed the two heads away.
"Get out! You two! This is the female changing room! You are not to barge in like that! Out out!" Mariah screamed at Irvine and Van. The door was then closed.
* * * * * * * * *
Outside the room, Irvine and Van were scratching their heads. Both of them were wearing tuxedo suits. Irvine's clothes were black while Van's clothes were white.
"Why do they take that long to just prepare?" Irvine asked Van.
Van shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe its because they are very vain?"
A voice from behind made them jump up slightly. "To think that only girls will gossip."
Moonbay was all dressed up. And standing right in front of both of them. Van's eyes nearly popped out while Irvine was just plainly mesmerized.
"You . . . you . . . you look pretty." Stammered Irvine. Van was still staring at Moonbay.
"I wander if Fiona would be just as pretty as you are?" asked Van.
Moonbay answered Van's question with a hit on van's head.
"Where are you looking? You should be looking at Fiona, not me! Pervert!"
"I'm not a pervert!"
"Then how do you explain Fiona's bulging stomach?"
"It is purely coincidental." Van said gently to Irvine and Moonbay.
Both of them smiled rather sheepishly.
"Hey people, how do you think of Fiona's new dress?" Mariah asked before helping Fiona out of the room.
Now, it was Van's turn to stammer.
"How do I look?" Fiona smiled sweetly at Van.
"Attractive."
Fiona also had her make up put on, but the colors are lighter than Moonbay's make up. Her lipstick was a shade of darker pink instead of red.
Her hair was also tied up in a bun made intact by a long bendable needle.
Maria looked at her watch and shouted quickly, "We better hurry. There is only forty minutes left for us to get there! Oh! The veil! I'll go and take it from the changing room. Hurry! Irvine, Van, start your Zoids!"
"Calm down, Sis. The Blade Liger and Lightning Saix will take only thirty minutes to reach the church." Van said.
"We have to slow down the speed for you, Fiona." Maria said. "If they rush, I'll kill Van." Maria stared at Van.
Van laughed, "I forgot."
"How can you forget? Anyway, help Fiona up to the Zoid while I take the hair veil for Fiona." Mariah rushed to the changing room and reappeared within seconds.
Moonbay and Irvine were already in the Lightning Saix. Mariah climbed into it too.
"Why are you here?"
"Zeke is with Van. And Fiona needs more space for herself too." Answered Maria.
"Whatever." Irvine said before starting his Zoid.
A screen popped out. Van had his face into it.
"We are ready, Irvine. We can go now." Van said.
Maria did not forget to remind his brother again, "Don't speed up too fast! Make the ride more smooth!"
Inside the Blade Liger, Van was communicating with Irvine by the screen.
"I know, sis. Can you stop nagging?"
"It is for Fiona's own good!"
Fiona, however, said, "Don't mind me. We must get there on time." Zeke agreed with Fiona by growling slightly.
"Okay." Maria contemplated.
* * * * * * * * *
The two Zoids set off for the church in the Republic.
Fiona looked at Van questionably.
"Why are your fingers trembling, Van? I'm sure you are very skilled in piloting the Blade Liger."
"I hate to admit this, but I think I am too nervous to drive properly!" Van grinned nervously.
Irvine was the same too. He was trembling in his Lightning Saix too.
Moonbay sighed, "If you find yourself too nervous, then let me pilot this thing."
"No way am I letting you take over this zoid. I know that you have been dieing to try but I am your man here, so I'll pilot it." Irvine grinned nervously too.
Moonbay was amused, "Even in the battle in Final Four, you are not nervous. To think that you would tremble at this time?"
"This is the first wedding I have, of course I'm nervous."
"You mean there will be another?"
Maria frowned while Irvine stammered once again, "That is . . .is . . .is not I mean."
"Just kidding, Irvine." Teased Moonbay.
Fiona was having the same thinking as Moonbay.
~ These two men are really nervous about their weddings. ~
* * * * * * * *
After thirty-five minutes, the two Zoids reached the church.
The two grooms and brides left their Zoids and walked into a chamber of the church.
Inside it was Queen Rudolph, Marianne, she rushed to the two brides side and unveiled their veils. She also put a chair for Fiona to sit. Moonbay stood beside her.
Marianne looked at their make-ups and spoke, "The make up are perfect! Who helped?"
"Maria helped to put my make up while Moonbay put on her own." Fiona replied Marianne.
The Queen spoke again, "Moonbay must be a vain person. Aren't you? Don't be nervous, girls."
"We are not nervous at all, your Highness. Irvine and Van are the ones who are nervous." Replied Moonbay sarcastically.
Fiona quickly defended Moonbay, "Moonbay likes to speak directly, don't mind her, Marianne."
"Never mind, I'm sure that Moonbay is lying. Why don't you just admit, Moonbay, your face is paling considerately."
"Who says so?" Irvine said. " My Moonbay is just as pretty as ever."
Marianne laughed, "Don't be mushy! I know both of you love each other. If not, why do you get married? Too bad there is no bridesmaid for you two couples."
"I don't mind. I can hold the flowers by myself." Fiona said.
"Don't forget about me. I will be leading Fiona up to the steps with Van. But what about Irvin and Moonbay, who shall lead Moonbay?"
"I am going to." Replied Marianne.
The others were shocked.
Marianne explained, "I want to help. I can only experience this once in a while."
"You have nothing better to do, dear." King Rudolph entered the chamber.
He went over to Marianne and put a hand on her head.
"You are such a busybody." He laughed.
"She just wants to help, Rudolph." Spoke Fiona.
Irvine, Moonbay and Van all kneeled down to She rose to bend her knees at the King. But he stopped her.
"You do not need to kneel to me. Careful of your own self."
"Thank you." Van stood up and helped Fiona.
Rudolph spoke again, "There is only three minutes left, I think all of you should make your way to the Hall. Marianne, you can stay here and do as you wish. Bye bye."
He disappeared out of the chamber.
Marianne put back the brides' veil and clapped her hands.
Two men appeared. They were Thomas Shubaltz and Karl Shubaltz.
Irvine and Van smiled at their two friends. Thomas noticed Maria and smiled, nodding at her. He knew her as he had met her before.
Maria blushed and turned her head away from Thomas.
"Congratulations, to all of you. But I think that the grooms have to make their way to the Hall." Karl beamed.
Irvine and Van left the chamber.
Moonbay and Fiona were left to wait for the time for them to go while Marianne polished the two brides' makeup.
Two minutes after Irvin and Van left the chamber, their future wives also proceeded to the Hall.
* * * * * * * *
Maria and Marianne propped up their gowns, which had the bottom dress brushing the red carpet, as Moonbay and Fiona walked slowly towards the Church Priest and their future husbands. On Maria and Marianna hands were small trays holding the wedding rings.
They put the trays on two tall tables beside the grooms.
Everyone in the church was silent as they witnessed the marriage.
Irvine and Van looked at them approaching them and their legs started to shake slightly.
Marianne noticed it but tried very hard to suppress her laughter. The two men looked so cute with their faces reddening. They were looking intently at their about-to-be wives.
However, Maria was just looking at the floor and oblivious to everything. She could feel four eyes looking at her intently.
The Church Priest was the village priest from the Wind Colony. He tore his glance at her once Moonbay and Fiona reached him a step away.
Clearing his throat, he started the ceremony. "We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite our two couples today. Should there be anyone who has cause why this couple should not be united in marriage, they must speak now or forever hold their peace." He paused before continuing. Moonbay and Fiona were escorted further forward.
Marianne and Maria left them and got to their seats. The latter sat on the first row, which coincidentally, Thomas was sitting at the first row too. Marianne went to her husband and sat down. Their hands were crossed.
Van and Irvine took Fiona and Moonbay's hands respectively.
Moonbay and Fiona could not stop themselves from smiling. The hands that they took were very sticky.
Van and Irvine could only smile back at them sheepishly.
"We shall start with the couple of Van and Fiona first." The priest smiled warmly at Van.
"Van and Fiona, I would ask that you both remember to treat yourself and each other with respect, and remind yourself often of what brought you together today. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your marriage deserves. When frustration and difficulty assail your marriage - as they do to every relationship at one time or another - focus on what still seems right between you, not only the part that seems wrong. This way, when clouds of trouble hide the sun in your lives and you lose sight of it for a moment, you can remember that the sun is still there. And if each of you will take responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.
Van Freiheit, do you take Fiona Alice Lynette to be your wife?"
"I do." Van spoke loudly. His voice was quite unstable. There was muffled laughter coming from the audience, most notably Thomas Shubaltz.
"Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only unto her?"
"I do."
"Fiona Alice Lynette. Do you take Van Freiheit to be your husband?"
"I do." Fiona replied in a small but clear voice.
"Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only unto him?"
"I do."
The priest turned away from both of them towards Irvine and Moonbay.
Irvine and Moonbay, I would ask that you both remember to treat yourself and each other with respect, and remind yourself often of what brought you together today. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your marriage deserves. When frustration and difficulty assail your marriage - as they do to every relationship at one time or another - focus on what still seems right between you, not only the part that seems wrong. This way, when clouds of trouble hide the sun in your lives and you lose sight of it for a moment, you can remember that the sun is still there. And if each of you will take responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.
Irvine Cloud, do you take Moonbay Samuels to be your wife?"
"I do." Irvine shouted too, his voice was slightly higher pitched than usual. Thomas could no longer suppress his laughter.
Everyone looked at him reprovingly. Maria was glaring at him while Irvin was somewhat embarrassed.
'I will kill him when this finishes.' Irvine swore.
The priest cleared his throat again and continued, "Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only unto her?"
"I do."
"Moonbay Samuels, do you take Irvine Cloud to be your husband?"
"I do." She smiled beautifully. There was a slight waver in her voice but no one laughed.
"Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only unto him?"
"I do."
"Good. Wedding rings are an outward and visible sign of an inward spiritual grace and the unbroken circle of love, signifying to all the union of the two couples before me. You may exchange your rings now."
Van and Irvin first put the rings on Fiona and Moonbay's fourth finger before the two women helped their husbands to put on the rings.
"Ladies and gentlemen present, I hereby announce that these two couples are husbands and wife.
After this, the Hall was filled with clapping from the witnesses present.
Most people present were soldiers of the Guardian Force. They knew both Irvine and Van quite well, so they were all invited to attend the wedding.
Irvine and Van escorted their wives down the red carpet.
Irvine gave Thomas a dead glare as he walked down the carpet.
"Serves you right." Spoke Maria. Her eyes were quite red. She was so touched!
The priest caught Maria's arms just as she left along with the crowd. Thomas looked at them for a while before exiting the hall too.
"Please let go of me." Maria spoke softly. "We can never be together, Mr. Priest."
"Why?" He tightened his grip.
"It hurts!" Maria squinted her eyes a bit. Just then, Thomas turned his head around and saw it.
Angrily, he rushed to Maria and punched the priest. The priest dropped to the floor as people who were still in the Hall saw the incident.
Immediately, Thomas pulled Maria away from the priest and out of the Hall.
"How can you hit him?" Maria confronted Thomas.
"You don't want me to?" Thomas' eyes narrowed a little.
"I just don't want anyone to be hurt today." She cried as she ran away from Thomas.
Thomas did not pull her back. Instead, he punched a pillar of the church. Someone patted Thomas' back.
Karl was smiling at him.
"Go after her, Thomas, if you like her."
Thomas blushed scarlet at his brother's remarks but ran after her anyway.
'Thomas may well be the one next to marry." Karl mused.
* * * * * * * *
Maria ran towards the direction of where a huge crowd was.
Fiona and Moonbay were going to throw their bouquet of flowers to the crowd.
Thomas caught up with Maria and dashed in front of her.
"Pant . . . I am sorry . . . for what I did . . ." Thomas panted heavily.
Maria looked at Thomas mildly surprised. "It should be me who should apologize." Maria spoke softly at Thomas.
Just then, something overshadowed her and she caught it out of instinct. Then, there were cheers coming towards Maria.
In her hands was the bouquet of flowers that Moonbay threw.
Someone shouted at Maria, "You will get married next! Who will be next?"
Maria blushed heavily.
Next, Fiona also threw her bouquet of flowers. Surprisingly, it went to Thomas!
The crowd went semi-wild. The same person who shouted at Maria spoke loudly, "Thomas will get married in near future to!"
"Nonsense." Thomas chided, getting boos from the woman in the crowd.
Irvine approached Thomas and slapped Thomas back.
"I'll like to see you nervous in church and would love to laugh at you if you get nervous!"
"Irvine. Don't be such a petty guy." Maria said quickly then blushed scarlet again.
Irvine wanted to tease them but Moonbay caught his hand and dragged him away from Thomas and Maria.
"Idiot! Let them be alone." Scolded Moonbay.
"Why? . . . Don't tell me that . . . they really like each other?"
"Yes. So do Thomas a favor, can you?" spoke Van who was listening to the newly wed couple's conversation.
Irvine smirked, " Scared that Thomas will come and disturb you and Fiona so much so that you need him to get attached?"
"Of course not!" Van exclaimed.
"Congratulations, Van, Irvine and Moonbay. Where is Fiona?" Raven and Reice walked together and went over to talk with the brides and grooms only to see one bride missing.
Raven and Van's rivalry were settled by one match, which they tied. In the past, raven was controlled by Prozen so he and van could not be friends.
But after the war, they decided to become friends because they are both talented pilots who had worked hand in hand with each other in defeating the death Stinger.
Raven was also given an honorary citizenship but he chose to travel around Planet Zi with Reice instead.
Reice left them when she saw Fiona not around. Van answered her question, "She's beside the Blade Liger taking a rest. I don't want her to tire out."
"How caring, Van." Reice said but her eyes were unusually darkened. "I'll go and find her then."
* * * * * * * * *
"Fiona." Called Reice. Her organoid Specula growled and walked towards Zeke.
They communicated and Zeke seemed to be a little flustered, but he still left with Specula. Fiona and Reice were left alone beside the Blade Liger.
Fiona looked up and called her back, "Reice."
They were silent.
"How many months is your child right now?"
"It's been four months. Time really goes fast." Fiona replied.
Reice became harsher with her words.
"This is dangerous for you! Van is a human. You are an Ancient Zoidian. Do you know about the curse? It must have come true and meaning you!"
"What curse? I never heard that I could marry a human before?" Fiona asked with a worry surfacing from her heart.
"Don't you remember? A Zoidian elder warned us of the harm and destruction that the zooids eve would bring and we still carried on with it and what happened? Planet Zi was nearly wiped out!"
"So what? Are you coming here to say that I should not be Van's wife?" Fiona rebutted.
"Let me finish. The same elder also prophesized something. I'll let you remember more about it." Reice put her finger at Fiona's forehead markings and a bright light surrounded them.
Van, Irvine and Moonbay saw the light and Van ran towards it. "Fiona!" He saw the light from Blade Liger's direction.
Moonbay wanted to run over there too but she fell. Just as she was touching the floor, Irvine saved her and carried her in his arms before running after Van.
Monbay flushed as onlookers looked at them interestingly.
When Van reached his Zoid, Fiona was gone.
"Fiona!"
"Calm down, Van. Reice has taken somewhere." Raven spoke with a sigh.
"What do you know about this?" Van caught Raven's collar by force.
"Reice told me that she was going to tell Fiona a truth. I only know this much."
"Sorry." Van let go of Raven.
"Where are they then?"
Raven smirked, "The Valley of the Rare-Hertz."
* * * * * * *
I wanted to start the next chapter with a new beginning for Van and Fiona but the first chapter is just too long, so I'll do that in the third chapter! This means that the next chapter will be a short one.
This is my first Zoids fanfiction. If you find something wrong with my story, please flame me, but no vulgar language please. Please read and review! I will only write the next chapter if I get reviews.
Thank you.
Signed Virginia.