Chapter 2: The Wedding of Domon Kasshu and Rain Mikamura

            A few weeks have passed, and for the most part, the issues stemming the Devil Gundam and the control shift from Hong Kong to Japan were no longer a concern to the general media. Neo-Japan is now in full control of the colonies, and for the most part, the colonies are at peace. Chairman Karato has successfully eased the change in power, limiting the overall media coverage to a minor story in the news, and for the most part, everyone is relaxing… except for perhaps Domon Kasshu and Rain Mikamura.

            After an entire year of conflicts, friendships, tragedies, and victories, the two have finally realized that they were meant for each other and have finally accepted this, more specifically for Domon, who was unable to see it because he uses his fists to "talk." Their long awaited wedding has been fully paid for by the government of Neo-Japan for Domon's successful mission in winning the Gundam Fights and defeating the Devil Gundam. Granted, the two have had full control on the actual planning of the wedding, which included the invitations and, at the considerable request of Domon and Rain, the wedding was not to be held at the colony, but within planet earth, so the proper arrangements were made to bring everyone there

            One of the invitations was sent to the home of Allenby, but she was not really interested in attending this wedding. More so, she was more concerned about the letter and the myth of Selene and Endymion. Ever since that day, there have been no e-mails or letters about "moon rabbits" sent to her. It was as if the entire thing was either a complete hoax or a misguided person who typed the e-mail address wrong, but there was another problem.

            Because of the invitation, she was somewhat obliged to go, and she could go. The problem is that because of the romantic inclination with Domon, she was not entirely sure if she was willing to go and attend. This perplexing dilemma required the advice of a few people. More specifically, she decided to ask a certain princess about this relation…

            On the morning of the wedding, Allenby had decided to obtain contacts with Princess Marie Louise, the companion and love interest of Geogre De Sand, the Gundam pilot for Neo-France. Obtaining this contact was not without difficulty, as Marie's status has made contact a bit of a challenge.

            How Allenby knew about her came out of the Gundam Fights themselves. Although the information was very limited at the time, she assisted in helping rescue Marie during the finals in which the fighter for Neo-England was presumed to be dead, resulting in a conspiracy that would later result in the discovery of what was actually happening with the government of Neo-Hong Kong.  The only reason as if contact would be difficult is primary due to the security involved. However, through an arrangement with Raymond Bishop, the loyal servant and teacher of George, Allenby was able to board the exclusive shuttle that was heading toward the wedding.

            As Allenby sat down with Marie in a private room, the shuttle began its departure from the port as it left Neo-France's airspace.

            "I know that we have not talked much, but I must ask why you have requested to speak to me personally." Marie said.

            "Princess Marie, it is not that I am trying to waste your time. It is just that I have a personal question that I think you could help me with. I have to ask you about… love."

            "I… guess I could help you." She replied, confused at her response. "I am not sure about what you mean."

            "Well… it is about Domon and Rain. I figured that since you already had this thing with George I figured I could ask you about…"

            "Well, I am not going to go into that!" She said, with her cheeks in full blush.

            "No. I am not talking about that!" Allenby said. "I am talking about… if you love someone, but he is more suited for someone else, and you still have feelings for him, and, well… the thing is that I'm not sure that it would have been a good idea to show up at the wedding…"

            "I don't think that is really the case."

            "What do you mean?" replied Allenby.

            "Well, have you ever thought that maybe this will finally bring closure to the feelings you have for him? Maybe since he is finally marrying someone, this will finally end the feelings you have for him. I think it is not why you care about him, but rather why you still have feelings for him."

            "Are you trying to say that maybe I should bring closure to everything and this is it?"

            "Perhaps… but considering that I have had only one "true" love… then… maybe I could be wrong… but… I think you'll manage."

            Satisfied at the response, Allenby left the room and returned to her seat.

            Hours have passed, and any trip to the earth would have been tiring for anybody. However, this particular ride was very smooth. So much so that Allenby fell asleep throughout the entire trip. As soon as she woke up, she was on final decent toward the spaceport.

            Her time in docking was very limited, as she was whisked off with Marie and George to the hotel in the rebuilt City of Tokyo. Normally, the cities of the world would have remained in their decrepit shape due to the Gundam Fights, but as a result of the events of the 13th Gundam Fight, most of the cities have now begun to restore themselves to their once former glory. In Tokyo, most of the buildings have been nearly reconstructed, and the governmental building has been partially restored.

            Of course getting to the hotel was at the expense of others, particularly the traffic jam on the streets because of the entourage of an certain important persona.

            The arrival to the hotel was very smooth. All the check in and reservations were already established, and the quartets were already in place for everyone there.

            Allenby checked into her room, feeling a bit relaxed and calm from the sleep she got. As she took a look at the room, she started to see how much Marie and George were willing to offer. Relatively speaking, it had the usual basic requirements for a luxury hotel: Queen sized bed, mini Jacuzzi, mini bar, full access to the hotels amenities, and close proximity to the location, all expenses paid by the government of Neo-France. Of course, Allenby knew that she was not going to stay long, so she brought with her only one suitcase and one adjoining formal suit.

            As for Marie and George, let's just say that they are still unpacking…

            After taking a shower and setting up a method of transportation, Allenby decided that there was nothing more that she could do, other than to face the couple and accept what their destiny shall become. She departed the hotel dressed up in the formal attire that she brought with her: A dark blue blazer that seemed to match with the maroon pants that she wore. Along the way, a man, relatively young and in his twenty's approached her. He had on a silver vest, and from the look of it, appeared to be working for the security within the hotel. His voice was congenial and friendly as he went up to her. "Are you Miss Allenby by any chance?"

            She turned around and approached him. "Yes."

            "Well, I have a book that I am supposed to give you. It is from the concierge desk. Think of it as a simple guide book of the city for staying here. We were supposed to give it to you in the room, but we apparently forgot to before you arrived."

            "Uh… Thanks."

            "The pleasure is all mine Ms. Allenby." He entered back into the concierge desk and inside to the room.

            Allenby, not entirely sure as to what is going on, decides to open the book. Flipping through the pages, a small letter is dropped from the book. Curious, she opens the letter. Inside read as follows…

Allenby Beardsley

Such is the same for people who desire inner peace…

And such is the nature for your danger as we speak…

You are being watched…

Not by us…

But by those who want you…

You are in serious danger Allenby, and it is time that we meet you…

By nightfall, you shall know everything…

The Ghost of the Moon Rabbit

            A strange feeling came before her, but this feeling was one that she did not want to feel…

            Around the time the sun touched the horizon, Allenby arrived at the location. Sitting on top of a hill overlooking the Pacific, a combination of feelings are flowing through her. She was unsure as if it was the wedding itself, or the note that she got hours ago in the hotel.

            At the entrance to the building, the remaining three members of the Shuffle Alliance: Chibodee Crockett, Sai Sici, and Argo Guilsky, were there waiting for George to arrive. Among the other guests arriving at the scene were the members of the Shuffle Alliance's significant others, Dr. Raizo Kasshu, and Chairman Karato, who took advantage of this occasion to meet with the officials at "earth side" Japan. Chibodee was the first to notice her. "Hey, Allenby. You showed up. We were all wondering if you were not going to go."

            "You'd think I'd miss out on coming to the wedding?"

            "Maybe you still had something for Domon…"

            Allenby looked at him with some discord. "What do you mean?" As she recalls, except for George recently, she never told any of the remaining Shuffle Alliance members of her interests with Domon. Even in the final battle, not one of the members knew about her interests with her, although this was only from her perspective, and not of anyone else's.

            Sai Sici was the next to speak. "So sis, have you came with anyone? I have Cecil waiting inside. I think she is with Rain right now."

            She responded calmly. "I didn't. I was unable to find a person that will come, but I did go with George and Marie. I wonder where they are now."

            "If you want to go see Domon, he's inside. I wouldn't bother him. He seems to be in a nervous wreck."

            As Allenby went inside to the meeting room, a black shadow appeared to moving in back of her. Jolting to one side, she only noticed a group of ushers and attendants waiting for the actual ceremony to start.

            "Are you all right?" said one of the ushers. "You seem to be nervous."

            "I'm ok." You could not blame her for being jumpy because of the note she read at the hotel. "Do you know where Miss Rain Mikamura is?"

            "You can walk down that path and take the third door on the left." The man pointed. Allenby followed.

            As she arrived at the door, a feeling of insecurity arose. Looking behind her back, she thought as if there was someone watching her. Checking both areas of the hallway, she finds nothing and decides to enter the room.

            "Who's coming in?" Replied Rain, suited up in her wedding gown. "If that is Domon, then get the hell out. You know the rules."

            "Nah. It's me. Allenby."

            "Oh, come in."

            Allenby walked into the room, where Cecil, Natasha, and Chibodee's girls are making the final attachments to the gown. Likewise, they are already in their lime green, and very much displeasing bridesmaids outfits.

            "Rain, you know that we cannot attach that there. It would fly off in a second." said Cath, who was trying to make one final attachment to the gown.

            "Did I come at a bad time?" replied Allenby.

            "Of course not Allenby." said Rain, whose emotional state was bordering on a breakdown. "But we are pretty busy at the moment… lousy pins…"

            As she looked at everyone's dresses, she seemed a bit left out of the ceremony. "Uh…"

            "Oh, yeah. You see, we were unable to contact you for the last few weeks if you wanted to be a bridesmaid, so I hope you don't mind not being involved."

            "Not at all." Replied Allenby, who by the look of things, was glad that she was not chosen…

            After a short time of conversion with what has happened since the Gundam fights, Allenby walked out of the room and back into the hallway. Returning to the lobby, she noticed Domon walk by, who, by the look of his tuxedo, was also in a nervous wreck. "Come on, when is this wedding supposed to start? I feel like I just want to get this over with already." He noticed Allenby walk by. "Hey, Allenby."

            "Hi, Domon." Before, Allenby would have addressed Domon as if he was a long time friend, but today, just the sight of him threw her into a depressive state of torpor. From her emotional standpoint, just being here forces the wounds in her heart to reopen. "I guess this is the big day, isn't it?" she said, feeling sullen in her speech.

            "I know. I just wish it could end sooner. I mean, you know, why couldn't we have just done this in the courts?"

            "I don't think they would have liked it." Allenby pointed to the Shuffle Alliance members, who were now accompanied by George.

            "I guess you all right, Allenby. I don't think anyone would have been happy if I have not done this any other way. But… how long do these ceremonies take?"

            "I don't know. I've never been in a major wedding." She said, trying to keep her cheerfulness up.

            As Domon was called to the members of the Shuffle Alliance, Marie went beside Allenby, dressed up as one of the bridesmaids. "This is going to be a long day for you, isn't it Allenby?"

            "Yeah, but at least I'm trying."

            Time had passed, and the wedding was about to begin. Allenby decided to sit with George as the whole event unfolds. Tears did flow in Allenby's eyes for this beginning moment, but she was not sure if she really was sad or happy. When the ceremony did officially start, however, Allenby didn't feel as worse off as she did before. In fact, it was as if she was feeling better. Somehow, seeing Domon marry Rain was like the closure she desired.

            But one thing that scared her was the feeling that she could still be watched…

            An hour has passed in the wedding ceremony, and or the general part of the ceremony, the wedding proceeded without any problems, except for the members of the audience who are still crying, which included all the women there, and for some reason, Chibodee, whom you would never expect to see that from him.

             Allenby was not one of them. Granted, she felt relieved that this entire wedding was finally happening, but after accepting the inevitable, she felt that there was something else going on, and that was the letter she got today at the hotel. Investigating the entire area, she felt as if the place seemed a bit… open.

            "George, I'm sorry, but I have to go."

            "Madame Allenby, we have enough time as it is." replied George. "Besides, the ceremony is almost over."

            "I know, but I don't think we are entirely safe here. We have to leave!"

            "What are you saying?"

            Bolting out of her seat, she exited at the outer edge of the row and headed for the exit, just as the ceremony was about to conclude. "I hereby announce…" The altar priest said as Allenby was within range of the door. She was unsure if it was purely instinct, or if it was some sort of calling, but something within her desired to leave the area.

            No soon did she touch the door the lights in the area shut off. Five seconds later, ten heavily guarded soldiers in riot gear rushed into the chapel, SWAT team style.

            "Domon, what the hell is going on here?" replied Chibodee.

            "I have no idea, but one is going to ruin my wedding. Not after all I went through with Rain to get here."

            In full flight, the Shuffle Alliance members engage the rouge soldiers while the remaining people leave the area in a flush of fear… except for Allenby. Being a fighter herself, she had to change direction and assist the members.

            Attempting to get to the altar, she is pulled back suddenly by a man, dressed in an opaque black tuxedo and having a white mask in front of him. "Allenby, we have to get out of here."

            "Who are you and how did you know my name?" She replied.

            "The name is not important. Just call me Kamen for now. I can't explain, but I know something about these agents. They are after you, Allenby."

            She took her hand away from him. "Get away from me. How do I know you are one of them? Give me one good reason why I should follow you."

            "Do you want to find Selene and Endymion?"

            Allenby staggered a bit to the back.

            "All those soldiers are after you, and it all has to do with the search for your parents. As of this moment, there are three shuttles coming at this spot, complete with armed soldiers and stun rifles. We have to leave."

            Behind him, Argo took both of Kamen's hands, and with his sheer strength, threw Kamen to the wall. Unlatching a pole he had on his belt, Kamen used it to stop himself on the wall and push himself back toward Argo. Stepping to the side, he jumps around Agro and swings the pole behind him, landing on an attacker who was about to restrain Argo.

            Behind Allenby, five more soldiers approach her, complete with full restraint riot gear and stun guns in their hands. On the front of the building, a dozen more soldiers appear, also with the same gear. The situation with the Alliance was not looking good.

            "Domon, we have to leave. There are too many coming." said Saici, who was already charging toward the exit. The remaining four also agree.

            Back outside, all the guests have appeared physically unharmed and relatively fine, if not for the concerned worry of everyone there.  "Everyone, I have called up the local police and they are coming here as we speak." said Karatto who was trying his best to calm everyone down.

            "Karatto, how the hell could you say that at a time like this?! These guys' just ruined my perfectly good wedding." Rain yelled to him. "Where's Domon?"

            "Right here, Rain." He said, as the all the Alliance members left the building.

            "Where's Allenby?" replied Marie.

            "I don't know. We all stormed out while those thugs entered the area."

            Right above them, one of the second story windows shatters, flying out Allenby and Kamen. Landing on the ground, the two meet up with everyone. "Allenby, are you all right?" replied Domon.

            "I'm fine, but I have to get out of here! I'm not safe here.

            "What are you talking about?"

            "Look, I have to explain later, but right now, I don't have the time! Kamen, do you have a way out of here?"

            "I already have that settled." A shuttle begins to descend from the sky. "Get in Allenby. We don't have time."

            "Where are you taking me?"

            "I'll explain it all when we get airborne."

            On the main road, three hover cars approach the area with a velocity that seems almost inhuman. On the lead car, one man rises up and takes out a pulse rifle, aiming toward Allenby. Almost immediately, Kamen aims the pole and fires a small, but quick electric shock that knocks the gun out of the man.

            As the shuttle lands on the ground, the hatch quickly opens. Allenby and Kamen quickly hopped aboard, while the Shuffle Alliance holds off their approach. In one quick escape, the shuttle lifted off the air and up into the sky.

            Moments after the shuttle left, an ecstatic Allenby calmed down. "Kamen… can I ask where are we going?"

            "Allenby, as of this moment, we have to hide. What I can tell you is that there is a lot more you need to know about the myth of Selene and Endymion. Come, we have a lot to discuss…"

            And as the shuttle rises up into the sky, a glimmer of the sun shines in the eye of Allenby and Kamen…

A/N: As to Deathscythe's Review: To be completely honest, I was thinking that Allenby's Gundam was spelled "Nobel" on the account of nobility. When you told me that, I could not believe that I misspelled the word, because not only did I do that, but the Gundam was actually named after the guy who made that famous Peace Prize, Alfred Nobel, who just happened to live in Sweden.

Maybe this will clear things up…

Noble – nobility, royalty, etc. (What I intended to mean.)

Nobel – the peace prize awarded every year for helping promote peace in the world. (What I replaced instead.)

Thank you, and if you want to, you can criticize this chapter, I don't think that this was one of my better chapters.