Irvine: Moonbay? Have you ever thought of what is best for the empire?

Moon:  Yes. Many times. But-

Irvine: You remember what we were talking about before right? How happy everyone seems. Also, my empire needs your finances, and your empire needs my forces! It all works out! Don't you see how happy everyone will be?
Moon:  Yes, but….

Irvine: Moonbay, lets get married.

**************************
Moon:  Are you sure this is what you want?

Irvine: It is what's best of the Empire.

Moon:  Yes….then, we will.

Irvine: Yes. First thing tomorrow night. I have already begun preparations.

Moon:  This is all too soon don't you think?

Irvine: Nothing is too soon.

And Irvine turned to leave the room, leaving Moonbay still dumb struck. Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks before exiting the room.

Irvine: And Moonbay. I have awakened Alma and picked out a dress for you. I know…..I'm sure you would look beautiful. I can't wait to see you in it.

And he left the room. Moonbay's fear suddenly turned to happiness. She was now sure she knew what she was getting into. She hurried down to the room to prepare for the big day. Sleep no longer meant anything. She was too much absorbed in the happiness to come.

***************************

James walked around in the hustle and bustle of the palace. And this time, there was no need for him to hide in a corner, afraid of getting into someone's way. Everyone here was polite. He now decided to take a walk in the town to make some friends. He walked around town admiring all the lovely things they were selling. Everyone was getting ready for the big day. The preparations had all begun. Suddenly, a ball rolled over to his feet. He looked up at a group of kids running over towards him. He could tell they were from the Moon Empire.

James: Hi. Can I play?

Kid:     Sure! But first, what is your name kid?
James: My name is James.

Kids:   James?!

Kid2:   Maybe that's him.

Kid:     I don't know, maybe not.

Kid3:   He seems pretty harmless.

Kid2:   But look at his clothes! He's from the palace!

Kid:     Hey James, your father wouldn't happen to be the Emperor's assistant now would he?
James: Yes, but…

Kid:     I'm sorry, but we can't hang out with you. The kids from the Shire colony say you're bad luck and that your father has done nothing but ruin the Empire.

James: That's not true!

The kids all walked away, leaving James there to cry. He ran back to the palace where he bumped back into a familiar face.

Moon:  Hey James! What's wrong?

James: The kids. They all hate me!

Moon:  That cant be. You said before that some of the kids of the Moon Empire were nice.

James: That was until the kids from the Shire colony told them stories about me! I hate them! I hate them all!

James stormed out of the room and Moonbay chased him, but she had lost him once they reached town. Moonbay, persistently looked all around town for him, but he was nowhere to be found.

James hurried ran around the streets. He just wanted to get away, he didn't care where, and he just wanted to be gone. He hated it. He hated everything. He had no friends. No family. His father was always gone, he hardly had time to spend with him. The closest thing he had to a father was Irvine. He wanted everything the way it was. With him, his father, and his mother. He wanted a REAL family. He just wanted to be a normal kid for once in his life. It was all he wanted, to be normal, just like everybody else.

He continued to run through the streets with tears streaming down his face and his head faced down until he ran into somebody.

Kid:     Hey! Watch were you are going!

Kid2:   Well, lookie here! If it isn't James!

Kid:     It is! Hello Daddy's boy! Having fun?
James got back on his feet and dusted himself off.

James: You told the kids of the Moon Empire things about me.

Kid:     Yeah, so.

James: They're all lies!

Kid2:   So what if they are?

James: I want you to take them all back!

Kid:     What if I don't?

James: I said, take them back now!

James quickly flung a fist at the kid's face. Blood was now coming out of his nose.

Kid:     NO!

The kid from the Shire Empire who had spread rumors about James was much older than him. He was always a bully to James. James had never shown signs of aggression towards him, and that, in return, mad him furious. The kid then pushed James down, and started to pummel him.

Kid:     NO ONE TELLS ME WHAT TO DO! NOT YOU, NOT ANYONE!

James: STOP!

Kid:     URRAH! YOUR GONNA PAY!

Kid2:   Hey! I hear someone coming! Common! That's enough! Lets go!

The kid found that it was useless to go on. James was already out of it. The poor kid was hurt badly, but the two ruthless kids left him there, for who knows what.

Moonbay came running down the alley, she had heard James crying out for help. She hoped she was not too late. Then, turning a corner, she saw him, lying on the ground. Fear ran all through her body as she walked up to him.

Moon:  James! James are you alright?!

He was breathing, and was conscious. He slowly looked up to Moonbay. He looked at her intently, as if he was seeing a ghost. Moonbay cradled him in her arms. His gaze never left her face.

Moon:  Everything's going to be alright James. I'm here.

James looked up at the figure above him. The vision was blurry, but the voice, the brown hair, the loving words, the comfort in her embrace. It was her, it had to be her, or was he just seeing things. He looked up, it was Moonbay, but he wasn't aware, for he was seeing someone else. He was seeing someone he wanted to see, ever since she had left.

James: Mommy…

With that said, his eyes closed, and he became unconscious.

*********************************************

James awoke in time for the ceremony. He woke up to meet the smiling face of Moonbay. She was already in her wedding gown, but she had never left his side. She was, at first, confused by the name he had called her, but she knew he was delusional. After all, he was beat up pretty badly. She  smiled down at him and rubbed his head.

Moon:  you're finally awake!

James: my head hurts!

Moon:  Well, that's to be expected.

James: that's a very pretty dress. Are you getting married?

Moon:  Well, that was the plan. I was also planning that a special little boy could be my ring boy. That is, if he was feeling up to it. What do you say?

James: Me?

Moon:  Yes you! What do you say james? Do you want to be my ring bear?

James: uh…sure! Okay moonbay! Ill do it!

Moon:  Great! Here's your outfit! It'll look adorable on you! Now wait here, I have another surprise for you.

James continued to put on his outfit as Moonbay walked outside the room. But once she shut the door behind her, James suddenly through the tux down as tears steamed down his face. He wasn't feeling good at all. He wanted his mother. The vision of her brought back painful memories, he wanted someone. He wanted someone to cry to, he wanted someone to love him. Just then, someone had opened the door. The figure was tall and well built. James had recognized him the minute he saw him. He ran to him immediately as joy filled his little heart.

James: Father!

John:    James my boy! Have you been very good?

James: Uh huh! Empress Moonbay has been very nice to me. I really like her.

John:    Oh you do do you? Hear that Irvine? It seems you have some competition. I'd be on my guard if I were you!

Irvine slowly walked into the room and laughed.

John:    Well, common son. You better get ready. You have to be dressed for the big celebration today alright?
James: Yes sir!

James hurriedly dressed. He was so happy, his father was finally back. Irvine and Captain John walked out of the room to discuss "business".

Irvine: So, did you talk to them?
John:    yes.

Irvine: what did he say?

John:    it doesn't seem good Irvine. He's not tolerating anything.

Irvine: is he willing to make a trade? Something?!

John:    I'm afraid he is, but it just can't be done.

Irvine: of course it can! What is it?

John:    he wants you Irvine. He wants you to join his army.

Irvine: what?! Never.

John:    well, there isn't much we can do.

Irvine: they wont interrupt the ceremony will they?

John:    no, I've taken extra precautions to make sure everything goes as planned.

Irvine: great. I don't want anything spoiling this.

John looked at Irvine with a huge grin.

Irvine: what?

John:    I get the feeling that there's more to this ceremony than I think.

Irvine: what do you mean by that?

John:    it's a wedding for crying out loud Irvine!

Irvine: like I told you, it's for the good of the Empire. We desperately need the money, and at the same time, Mur will not be able to control me any further, for once this union Is final, the empire will be under a new name, and the contract will be invalid.

John:    cut the crap Irvine! You and I both know people don't just get married "to better others".

Irvine: why not? Kings and queens have been doing it long before us!

John:    this is different Irvine. I know you. If that had been the case, you would have never gone to so much trouble just trying to make this perfect, now would you?

Irvine: …….

John:    you love her don't you?

Irvine: I don't fall in love with anybody john.

With that said, Irvine walked away.

*****************

The preparations were ready, everything was ready. Everything was going to be perfect. Moonbay walked down the aisle with Doctor D. he was the closest thin got a father that she had. She was truly beautiful in her gown. Everyone starred in awe at her beauty. James, was the most adorable ring bear of all. Irvine watched motionless as Moonbay approached him. The ceremony had then begun, but fate sometimes takes control over everything. Loud bombing noises were heard off in the distance, and everyone's head turned to the noise.

Moon:  Who could be making that noise at a time like this?
Irvine: It's nothing, proceed with the ceremony.

The priest obeyed. As they continued, more loud noises were heard, and then sceams. The chapel was now in a state of confusion. The screams could be heard inside the Empire! There were invaders in the Empire! Irvine looked out the window in fury. It had begun.

Priest:  Emperor. I am sorry, but we cannot continue this ceremony. People might get hurt!

People were already running out of the chapel screaming. James stayed close by Irvine's side.

Irvine: Continue!

Priest:  But-

Irvine: I said now!

Moon:  Irvine?

The priest continued, Moonbay was scared and confused. Just then, a loud crash was heard near the chapel. The balcony had been hit and collapsed. People were screaming in fear and the whole chapel was shaking. James screamed and clung tight to Irvine's leg. John knew what was happening. It was the invasion of the Mur bandits. They had come to stop the ceremony. He hurridly ran out to get ready to battle. James noticed his father running.

James: Daddy no!!

John:    Stay here James okay? I'll be back, don't you worry.

James: Okay….

John looked up and nodded to Irvine. Irvine was furious, but he knew it was too dangerous to proceed any further with the ceremony.

Moon:  Irvine! What is going on?! Please Irvine! Tell me what is the matter!

Irvine: We are under attack.

Moon:  Attack? By who?!

Irvine: There's no need to explain, lets go.

Irvine grabbed her hand and pulled her and James out of the collapsing building.

Irvine: Get into your Zoid Moonbay!

Moon:  But I don't have one.

Irvine: Just get into one!

Moon:  Okay.

Moonbay ran into a command wolf, and Irvine took James into his cockpit. They were hit by bombs and thrown around.

Irvine: urahhh!!! You are going to pay Mur!!!

Mur:    Why Irvine? Nice to see you. I'm not interrupting anything am I?

Irvine: You are going to pay!

James: Ahhh! Daddy….

Irvine looked down at James. He was frightened. He looked around him, there was total chaos. He had bought this to the Empire. He was more furious than ever.

Mur:    I thought interrupting this little ceremony would get you furious. But you see, I am a man of my word, and I knew that would never change your mind. So I thought, why don't I get rid of the source of the problem!

Mur had Moonbay's zoid surrounded.

Moon:  Irvine help!
Mur:    Now, you either join my party, or, its off with her head! This particle beam should be enough to get the job done! What do you say?!

Irvine: Why you!! I'm going to kill you!

Mur:    Now isn't that nice? If I were you, I  would watch what I was saying.

Irvine: …..

Mur:    You have to the count of Three.

Irvine: …..

Mur:    one….

Irvine: ………

Mur:    two….

Irvine: …….

Mur:….AND….

Irvine: Okay! Just let her go!

Mur:    Do I have your word?

Irvine: You have my word! Now let her go!

An evil smirk came across Mur's face.

Mur:    Oh I'm sorry-

Irvine: What are you doing?!

Mur:    THREE!

Mur pushed the button, aiming straight at his target.

Irvine: NOOO!

Moon:  Irvine!!!!

Just then, a zoid leaped into the air infront of her zoid. Time seemed to stop as everyone watched In horror, none more so than James.

James: ….Father….what…father…no….

Irvine: No…John….

Moon:  John….why?
James: Father, No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mur watched as his plan began to fail.

Mur:    Fool! Sacrafice your life for nothing!

Irvine: My friend…I'm going to kill you!!!!!!!!!!

Mur:    I wouldn't talk to me like that if I were you! You are now under MY command emperor!

Soldier:           What is he saying?!?!
Irvine: Urr!

Mur:    Oh yes. I forgot. We aren't the only ones on this intercom now are we? Hmm, why Irvine, you haven't told them?
Moon:  Told them what Irvine?! Irvine?!?!
 

Irvine shut off Moonbay's intercom. Moonbay tried to get back on, but she couldn't.

Irvine: I don't want you to hear this Moonbay.

 Mur:   What are you thinking about now? Hmmm Irvine? You don't want to tell them?! Well I will!!

Irvine: Why you!

Mur:    PEOPLE OF THE MOON EMPIRE AND SHIRE EMPIRE….YOUR EMPEROR IS A FAKE, A FRAUD! HE HAS BEEN WORKING FOR ME!

Moonbay was outside of her zoid, listening to everything. She couldn't believe it. After all, she and Irvine were already suppose to be Emperor and Empress, together.

Moonbay:        No….Irvine….

Mur:    ITS ALL TRUE! NOW ISTN IT? LETS GO, WE ARE RUNNING LATE. TROOPS, EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY! Now, Irvine, it wasn't that hard now was it?

Irvine was in disbelief. It was as if he was in a bad dream. But he had no choice. He was to leave with the rest of them. So, with that said, he reluctantly took off with the rest of the troops. He never even took a last glance at the falling kingdom, but heard the voice of someone running after him and his zoid.

Moon:  Wait!!! Irvine…please…don't go…..we need you….the empire needs you….and…i….I-

He turned and look down to meet her tearful gaze.

Mur:    Filthy Witch! Irvine! Turn from the wrench immediately! Everyone, continue to move out at once!

But Irvine was fixed on her gaze. Tears continued to stream down her cheeks, and all the time Irvine just had to wonder. He had to wonder what kind of a person he was to bring her so much pain. And what did she ever do to him? Nothing. All she ever did was be the only kind and loving friend to him and everyone in HIS empire. She even agreed to marry him, and all for his selfish needs. He couldn't understand why he did what he did, all he could think of was how cruel he was to his long time friend, when all she did was be kind towards him, and maybe even love him. How, she changed so much, and how he seemed to remain the same. He was so reluctant to turn away, but, he knew there was no other way. He didn't want to hurt anyone as much as he has already done. He slowly turned away from her, and he and his zoid followed the others out of the empire.

Moonbay felt so much pain in her heart as she fell to the ground on her knees. Infused with rage, she pounded the ground. She looked on as he rode away into the forest. With all the energy left in her, she race towards the zoid screaming out his name.

Moon:  Irvine!!!!

Irvine didn't turn around, but saw as a shiny piece of metal clinked on top of his zoid. It was, her ring. Irvine looked away, he knew, for a fact, that it was all finally over.

********************

WOW! SORRY EVERYONE FOR TAKING SO SO LONG ON THIS FIC! I GURESS, I KNDA JUST GAVE UP FOR A WHILE, BUT MY FAITHFUL  FAN ROCKSTAR SHOWED ME THAT I SHOULDN'T GIVE UP! THANKS FOR THE REVIEW! WELL, THIS IS THE END OF A REALLY LONG FLASH BACK! BACK TO THE PRESENT! IM GOING TO START OF WITH WHERE WE HAD LEFT OFF IN THE PRESENT OKAY? SOUNDS GOOD TO ME! EVERYBODY, REVIEW!!!