AN: Booya.. here ya go It's winding down now O.o there is like three chapters left and an epilogue.. scary! Oh well.. sorry about the wait.. the last two pages killed me --
Any moment, everything can change,
Feel the wind on your shoulder,
For a minute, all the world can wait,
Let go of your yesterday.
Can you hear it calling?
Can you feel it in your soul?
Can you trust this longing?
And take control,
Fly
Open up the part of you that wants to hide away
You can shine,
Forget about the reasons why you can't in life,
And start to try, cause it's your time,
Time to fly.
All your worries, leave them somewhere else,
Find a dream you can follow,
Reach for something, when there's nothing left,
And the world's feeling hollow.
-"Fly" –Hilary Duff
Spencer paused as he opened the door, after pressing a button to release the chain lock. Something wasn't right… Yes, something was definitely off. He examined the locks as well as the chain, there was something wrong with them…His eyes widened as he realized just what was off.
They were all new.
Now he was worried. Someone had been in his room while he was away from the Abbey, and he couldn't tell who it was. He didn't make a habit of leaving anything incriminating around, just in case Tala went snooping, but he still did not like the prospect of someone being in his room. It was unsettling.
"Someone broke into your room while you were gone."
Spencer had to physically force himself not to jump at the sudden voice. How had he moved so silently and fast? Spencer had been alone in the corridor only seconds before.
He turned to face Tala, who was frowning at his door locks. He looked genuinely annoyed by the fact that someone had broken into Spencer's room. However, Spencer was sure that that wasn't the only thing that was bothering Tala. He could see it in the red head's aqua eyes.
"Who?" Spencer made his voice hard, hiding the worry and anxiety with fake anger.
"That's just the question isn't it?" Tala replied, crossing his arms over his chest. "We don't know. Bryan came across it when he was returning to his rooms."
Spencer sighed, gritting his teeth and clenching his fists both for effect and to release some pent up stress that was building within him. Fuck! Things were not going well.
Tala could very well know about him, even though he said nothing. Tala was far too clever to do anything rash. Bryan on the other hand… if Bryan had found something he would have done something about it right away…wouldn't he?
"It wasn't the only break in," Tala continued, watching Spencer silently fume. He wondered if it was all a show, if secretly inside he was having a panic attack.
He should be.
Spencer shot Tala a confused look that screamed 'explain'. Tala sighed, scowling at the mere thought. The fact that Brooklyn Kingston managed to get passed him still pissed him off. Fucking bastard. He was going to laugh when they strung the pretty man up by his balls.
"We managed to capture the little blue bitch just after you took off tracking some of them to the States. Imagine my surprised when Ian dragged her in carrying Bryan's squalling brat."
The blond sucked in a deep breath. Things were worse than he had predicted! He was only gone two days—forty-eight hour—and already things were falling apart. Tala knew of Nadya, which meant Bryan did too. Someone had broken into his room and it was possible that Tala knew about him. He had to leave. Very quickly, or he would be dead.
Tala watched the blond very carefully for traces of panic, yet found none. Spencer, like himself and Bryan was trained impeccably, and could mask his emotions incredibly well. It made it that much harder to understand why he had betrayed them. He was a fool.
Tala really didn't understand his former teammate. Spencer could have been the leader, his child could have been the leader of Biovolt one day, but he threw it all away. He chose to betray them and side with the 'good' side. It was something he was going to torture out of him when he finally caught him.
"Where is she and the child now?" Spencer finally asked, breaking the tense silence.
At this the red head scowled, sneering. "It seems our other enemy has finally come out in the open. Brooklyn Kingston smuggled her, the baby and the pink haired bitch out of her last night. They left their little orange haired mouse behind, to our advantage of course."
Spencer felt his chest collapse with relief, silently thankful to this Brooklyn Kingston. However, he couldn't help but wonder what the red head was talking about when referring to the orange haired girl. He assumed he was talking about the All Star Emily Davenport. "You plan to use the girl?"
Caught. Tala masked a grin with a sneer. He would feed Spencer information, which he would no doubt feed the Angels. Knowing one of their own had chosen Biovolt over them would be a severe blow. "I don't need to use her at all. She chose not to fight Ian at all, in fact, I think they've formed some sort of friendship. She's already agreed to work for me, and sworn the oath of loyalty to Biovolt." He hoped it broke them.
It just kept getting worse. Spencer's jaw began to ache from clenching his teeth together. Emily was one of the smartest people in the resistance; her betraying them would not sit well. Max Tate was going to be heart broken. "I see."
Tala could see Spencer was anxious to be rid of him. It was painfully obvious and it made him want to kill the traitor right there like Bryan wanted. However, he let it go. Spencer's time would come. All of their time would come. "I can see you're tired. Have your report into me tomorrow afternoon." With that Tala turned and disappeared as fast as he had appeared.
xxxx
Rural Ireland was beautiful, especially when compared with the horrible bleakness of Russia. But then, anything was better than being near to ones who wished for your death or enslavement.
The trip from the BEGA Corporation's Russian compound was pleasant enough, even with them being woken at 4 am. Brooklyn had deemed it an appropriate time to fly out of Russia without threat of Biovolt intervention. Liika hated early mornings, and Nadya's fussiness didn't help. However, they got out of Russia and into Dublin safely enough, and were presently standing on a dirt road that headed out of the village of Monaghan, staring at a modest little church, with a small house beside. It was quaint, in a pretty way.
They were an awkward sight, the fifteen or so of them, looking more like tourists than refugees on the run from death. Liika would have laughed if she hadn't been so tired, and if Nadya hadn't been shifting, trying to see Benji who was fussing in Rhia's arms beside Liika.
"Maybe connecting their bit beasts wasn't such a good idea," Rhia mused, smiling and moving close enough so that Benji reach out and touch Nadya.
Nadya stopped squirming, her little hand latching on to Benji. Their amulets glowed faintly, indicating a conversation between the bit beasts.
"I don't think we had much choice in the matter," Liika replied, stroking her daughter's head. "They made the choice for us."
"It seems like it."
"This is it, isn't it?" Max asked, his haggard and red-rimmed eyes glancing at the small church, then at Kai.
Kai tilted his head, his frown never leaving his face. He had been frowning since they left the laboratory the day before. He did not like Black Dranzer being bonded to Nadya, nor did he like her being given a body. He saw it as a colossal mistake, one that would come back to haunt Brooklyn.
He just prayed it didn't come back to haunt them as well.
"Yeah," he replied, and then looked at Robert. "She's the cousin of your teammate, did you ever meet her?"
Robert nodded, shifting Mariah's hold on his arm, letting go of her hand. "I'll go talk to them."
Mariah, however, wasn't about to let go. She said nothing, merely following him until he reached back and took her hand once more. The two of them disappeared into the church, leaving the rest of them standing on the dirt road.
It had become common to see Mariah hovering around Robert. Since overhearing Rei's death she had latched on to the tall German, afraid of being alone. The only time she let him out of her sight was when he had to do something and then she was in Liika's company. Rei's death had scarred her beyond anything else. Robert was the only one that knew the true extent of the damage. She had even taken to sleeping in his room with him, night being the worst time for her depression.
Robert for his part, took it very well. For someone who was not used to dealing with people on a regular basis and who liked his space he treated her with such delicacy that it was shocking to those who knew him. He surprised Enrique and Oliver on more than one occasion.
It was at least five minutes before the pair returned, and when they did they weren't alone. Accompanying them was a pretty black haired woman dressed in a pair of tight jeans and a deep purple turtleneck sweater.
She surveyed the group with shrewd eyes, pausing slightly on the other two Majestics, as well as the two babies. Her hands settled on her hips as she turned back to Robert, a frown on her lips.
"Ye dinnae tell me there were so many," she said tartly, indicating her displeasure.
Robert sighed, pushing Mariah forward a bit with the hand that had settled on the small of her back. "Does it matter? We have nowhere else to go."
She scowled a bit, snorting. "That be no problem of mine. However, since ye came all this way, I don't believe I can turn ye away." She turned her dark eyes back to the group of refugees. "Though I dunnae where we are going tae put you all."
"You are Cassiopeia Rossmore?" Kai asked, stepping forward.
"Aye," she answered, appraising the blue haired teen openly. "Ye be Kai Hiwatari." She nodded, eyeing him. "I've been told ye'd like to be married."
Surprise flickered through Kai's auburn eyes. "Yes."
Cassie's gaze moved to Liika who was listening, but who was also distracted by Nadya. "And she be yer bride then?"
"Yes."
Cassie nodded, clearly having assured herself of the situation. "Follow me then. Ye'll be husband and wife afore the sun sets, but first I imagine ye'll all want to be settled." She turned on her heel and motioned to the small church. "Most of ye will be stayin' in the chapel attic. Robert and his companion will stay in the storage room in the back of the chapel downstairs. Father Patrick has agreed to give up his room for the bride and groom."
"Thank you," Kai said seriously, causing the raven-haired woman to stop. "This is far more than we should be asking."
Her eyes closed, and a sigh lodged itself in her throat. "Tis what my cousin fought and died for." Her voice contained hidden emotion. "I am glad to do what I can to help bring down Tala Valkov." She then continued on her way, leading the haggard group into the small church.
It was extremely tiny—the group didn't know how they all were going to fit, but were assured they would manage—but it was clean, and it was pretty, in a quaint sort of way. The walls were made of plaster that had been whitewashed. It was kept up quite well, as there were no cracks or damage to the walls. The floor was worn wood planking, clean, and shiny from fresh cleaning. There were four rows of pews, all made of a mahogany colored wood, worn like the rest of the wood in the church.
At the front the room, on a raised platform was an altar, undecorated and average looking. To the right of the altar was a door, probably leading into the offices and storage rooms at the back of the church.
"Tis not much, but it'll do I suppose," Cassie spoke finally, as soon as the entire group was inside the church and the door closed. "There's an outhouse out back, and the attic stairs are through that door, as is the storage room," she motioned at the door to the right of the altar.
Her eyes moved over the small room, obviously looking for something. As soon as she didn't find it the scowl returned to her pretty face and she heaved a loud sigh. "Ye all can go upstairs and settle yourselves. Hiwatari, you and your fiancé can leave your things in here and we'll take them to the house after the ceremony."
She then made for the front doors again, annoyance radiating in each step.
"Where are you going?" Enrique asked, tilting his head.
Cassiopeia looked over her shoulder. "To procure the chaplain."
The group blinked as the Irish girl disappeared out the doors. Where exactly was the chaplain?
"Why don't you guys go upstairs and store your things, she will be back shortly," Robert said, leading Mariah towards the door.
Everyone but Kai and Liika followed the pair, emptying the room almost as fast as they had filled it. Kai sighed, dropping his pack on one of the pews and slumping down. Liika joined him, trying to hush the fussing baby.
"She hasn't stopped fussing since Kingston had that thing bonded to her," Kai mumbled, wrapping his arm around Liika and pulling her close to his side.
Liika sighed tiredly, leaning her head on Kai's shoulder. "That's not true, she generally settles down a few minutes after Benji has left the room." As if on cue, the baby stopped fussing and quieted down, leaning her head on Liika's right shoulder, her thumb jammed in her mouth. "See?"
Kai snorted, making it clear what he thought of the situation. "Are you sure you want to go through with this?" he asked, picking up her left hand and twirling the ring around her finger, a habit he had picked up since he had given it too her. It seemed that he couldn't get enough of looking at it on her small hand.
"Of course," she responded automatically. "I want to marry you Kai, I wouldn't have said yes if I didn't."
He nodded, turning his head and kissing her forehead. "It won't be long now. The end is near…I can feel it. Tala won't wait much longer."
You sound as if you have no hope at all. Liika thought sadly, squeezing her eyes shut. "I know."
"I want you to promise me something," Kai said suddenly, his voice serious.
Liika looked up and found herself drinking in Kai's stubborn auburn orbs. She nodded.
"Promise me that whatever happens to me, you will go on and take care of Nadya."
She felt her heart drop into her stomach and tears well in her eyes. He really had given up. How did he expect to win if he didn't believe in himself? "I won't. You're not going anywhere!" She cried quietly. "Stop talking like we've already lost."
Kai sighed impatiently, reaching up and cupping her lower jaw. "I'm not saying we're going to lose Liika," he said urgently panic welling in his eyes. "But I can't guarantee that I'll make it through. If it takes my life to kill Valkov then I will give it."
"It won't come to that!"
"Listen to me!" His grip on her jaw tightened and he leaned his forehead against hers. "I'm being realistic Liika. People are going to die. That's a fact. And if I'm one of those people you have to continue living, if only for Nadya's sake. Don't leave her with him…or without a mother. I don't want her to grow up like I did. Promise."
Tears spilled down her pale cheeks. "I promise." She whispered hoarsely.
"Good."
Xxxx
It was at least a half an hour before everyone had come back downstairs to the main room of the chapel. Cassiopeia still hadn't returned, and so the group settled in, chatting quietly between themselves. Rhia sat in the pew in front of Kai and Liika so that Benji and Nadya could coo at each other and giggle. Robert and Mariah sat beside the couple, on Liika's side, Mariah talking in low murmurs to Liika.
Cassiopeia returned then, a man who looked to be in his early twenties walking in front of her; a man who looked very much the worse for wear as he was kicked in the ankle repeatedly by the angry Irishwoman and scolded for, from what Liika could hear, "Pissin' off for a feckin' tea break when some people have to work a lot bloody harder and all ye've got to do is man a bloody altar, now how difficult is that?"
The haranguing stopped when Cassie realized she had herded the recalcitrant clergyman nearly all the way back to his station. Realizing she had almost everyone's attention anyway, she cleared her throat formally before addressing Liika and Kai.
"I've found th' guy who's to put yer marriage through."
Kai eyed the ruffled young man with no small amount of distrust. "And you are…?" he said, further eyeing the man, who was wearing a rumpled, vaguely clerical-looking suit.
"Reverend Conrad Gryffiths," the clergyman replied, waving a hand. "Welsh National Beyblade champ, 1996 ta '97. Quit the dish, got me Anglican theology doctrine, certified minister... At yer service."
Liika sent Cassie a weary look that clearly stated everyone's distrust.
"Look, he may seem like the world's biggest wanker, but he's trustworthy, lass, all right?" Cassie said gently.
"Who ye be callin' a wanker?" Conrad demanded in annoyance. "I've you fer company at night..."
Mariah blinked slowly. "I thought priests weren't allowed to marry?" She said quietly.
Conrad looked visibly upset, a frown clouding his bright face. "Don't give me any of that outdated Catholic doctrine! I mean, no offense meant to any o' ye," he said quickly, catching sight of Anza, Oliver, and Enrique's less-than-pleased faces, "or old Father Pat, but a man's not to live as a damned eunuch, you know!"
He yelped in pain as Cassie seized his ear in an iron grip.
"How about this, love?" she said sweetly, tightening her hold and causing him to cringe. "Ye go and marry the two o' 'em, and without further fuss, or I'll be making sure ye'll be acting as a eunuch fer the next week! Savvy?"
"Quite." Conrad relaxed as Cassie let him go. "Barmy bint--OW!"
The Angels watched the fiery Irish girl physically subdue the taller priest, reminded slightly of how a certain blue haired girl used to be. Liika smiled, smothering a giggle. Mariah almost joined her, her lips twitching in humor. Kai rolled eyes, a smirk tilting his mouth.
"Fine, fine! I never said I wouldnae," Conrad complained, pulling away from his annoyed wife with a scowl, turning his attention to Kai and Liika. "Ye ready then?"
Kai nodded, standing and looking down at Liika. Liika stood also, her heart fluttering nervously. Mariah stood and took Nadya from Liika's arms with a small smile.
Liika smiled back, taking reassurance in Mariah's presence.
"Who will be standing for ye?"
The couple turned their attention to the dark haired Irishman. "Standing?" Kai replied, frowning.
Conrad sighed, running a hand over his face, struggling not to groan out loud. Cassie, however, caught his undue irritation and leveled him with a dark glare that caused him to twitch, even though he couldn't see it.
"Ye need a witness, each of you. A best man and maid of honor so to speak." She explained quickly.
Kai and Liika looked at each other, then at their friends. Kai's eyes locked with Robert and a silent understanding passed between them. Robert stepped out of the pew and moved to the front of the church. "I'll stand for him," he said quietly, nodding at Kai, who smiled back.
"I'll stand for Liika," Mariah said quietly, handing the unusually quiet Nadya to Enrique, who stood to take her. He always liked playing with the baby.
Liika smiled gratefully at her best friend, who shimmied out of the pew and embraced her. She hugged her back; glad that she had the friends she did, no matter what lay in their future.
"Let's get started then," Conrad said, motioning the four to the front of the chapel. "Ye have the documents?"
Kai nodded, not bothering to fish the certificates he had procured before leaving Russia. Something else he had to Kingston to thank for.
"Very well," he started then, moving through the long introduction that was normal of a marriage ceremony. An introduction that lasted a good fifteen minutes.
"Would you like to make your own vows?" Conrad asked, looking at the couple curiously.
Kai nodded, turning to Liika and taking her hands loosely in his. "I, Kai Daemon Hiwatari, take you, Liika Amanda Tomoda, to be my lawfully wedded wife. Knowing in my heart that you will be a faithful friend, and a steadfast and loving companion, no matter what life throws our way." He paused, exhaling loudly. "I give to you my sacred vow that as your husband, I will always be with you in one form or another, and will support you in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow. I promise to love you completely, to console and comfort you during difficult times, to respect you and to protect you from harm, no matter what that might entail. To honour you and to provide for your well being, to be truthful and honest with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live."
Liika blinked, struggling to hold back the tears that burned her eyes as she looked at the boy she loved. He was so serious it hurt to look at him.
"Miss Tomoda?"
Liika took a deep breath in and spoke the modified formal vows she had memorized. "I, Liika Amanda Tomoda, take you, Kai Daemon Hiwatari, to be my friend, my lover, the father of my children," her voice wobbled at this, and she had to physically will herself to calm down. "And my husband. I will be yours in times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow," She looked up into his eyes. "In times of failure and in times of triumph, no matter what Tala tries to do to us. I promise to cherish and respect you, to care and protect you, to comfort and encourage you, and stay with you, for all eternity, even transcending death."
Conrad took over again, a softness over taking his face at the sight before him. "May Liika and Kai share the warmth and light of an' ev'rlasting friendship, free of the darkness that has been encircling our world. May the Lord God bless this union, an' prove it ta be fruitful, an' make it so that all the pains of this Earth leave them in comfort. By the authority of the Church of England, and the country of Ireland, I now pronounce ye man and wife." He paused. Everyone waited, expectant.
He blinked, looking around the room at the various eyes that were trained on him. "Oh. Sorry." He turned to Kai. "Did ye want to kiss her?"
"Of course he does, you Welsh prat!" Cassie yelled from her pew, as the others laughed, indicating their agreement.
Kai smiled, pulling Liika towards him. He dipped his head, fitting his lips over hers, in what was their first real kiss.
The kiss sent tingles down to her very toes. Tingles that mingled in her chest and her lower abdomen. Her heart swelled with love for her new husband. He was so gentle and loving…he banished any fear or feelings reminiscent of Bryan Kyznetsov.
When Kai pulled away, his eyes lidded, he became aware that the rest of the Angels were cheering, and clapping, happy at the union. He smiled at Liika again, before pulling away and shaking Conrad's hand, and accepting a surprising hug from Robert. Mariah immediately engulfed Liika in a firm hug, tears racing down her cheeks.
"I'm so happy for you," she whispered, sniffling a bit. Laughing she leaned her forehead against her best friend's. "I'm glad I got to be here for this. No matter what happens in the future we can always look back on this day with joy."
Liika smiled, nodding a bit. "No matter what, no one can take our friendship away."
"Hate to break up ta sweet scene, but ye all have to sign ta needed forms." Conrad broke in sheepishly, holding two pens. "Will ye be takin' his name Liika?"
The blue haired girl blinked. She hadn't thought of that. Turning to Kai, she looked up at him imploringly.
He shook his head. "You do what you want to do, I can't decide this for you."
"Yes," she said, turning back to Conrad, who nodded and wrote on the marriage licence.
The four teens signed the sheet, sealing the Hiwatari marriage.
"We were warned of the upcoming nuptials and thus had some of the villagers make a wedding dinner so to speak. It will be ready soon I should think," Cassie said after the correct paper work had been signed.
Mariah looked up at met Robert's eyes. His eyebrows rose, and she nodded, a solemn, but not unhappy look flitting through her eyes.
"Wait."
All eyes turned to Robert, who stepped over and placed a hand on the small of Mariah's back.
"We wish to be married as well," he said seriously, looking down at Mariah who nodded again.
"What?!" Enrique cried incredulously. "No way!"
Anza smacked him on the arm, careful not to upset the dozing baby in his arms. "Enrique!" she hissed.
Lee frowned, stepping forward. "What's going on here? Mariah…?" he asked, looking helpless.
Mariah looked at her older brother, sadness washing over her. "I want to marry him Lee, please…just be happy for me."
"But…but what about Rei…?" Max asked quietly, almost afraid to bring up the name. He, like the rest of their friends, was confused.
The pink haired girl flinched, a pained expression crossing her face. Robert frowned at Max. Mariah sighed. "Rei…I will always love Rei. But… I…" her calm façade cracked, tears spilling over her cheeks with renewed vigor.
"It's what we chose," Robert interrupted. "Lee," he addressed the concerned Chinese teen. "Rei came to me, not long before the masquerade. He asked me…He asked me to take care of Mariah if anything were to happen to her. He asked me to marry her and give her my protection."
Lee's face crumbled, his eyes glassy as he nodded in understanding. "I see. Very well."
Oliver remained quiet, his heart breaking for the impromptu couple. Kenny too remained quiet, subdued and silent beside Max, watching the preceding with as much feeling as everyone else. Michael was solemn, but happy at the same time. He was sitting on Max's other side.
Only three people in the room were not at all part of the moving scene that was taking place at the front of the church. Rhia watched with detached eyes, focusing her attention on her son, feeling very much like an outsider. Garland and Ozuma secretly couldn't care less what went on and who married who. It was none of their concern anyway.
"Ok then," Conrad started, feeling distinctly uncomfortable. "I suppose Mr. And Mrs. Hiwatari will be standin' for ye two?"
Robert looked at Kai who nodded, and Liika automatically took her place at Mariah's side.
Conrad cut the intro short this time, making it significantly shorter than Liika and Kai's ceremony. "We are gathered here today to take part in the most time-honoured celebration of the human family, uniting a woman and a man in marriage." Conrad paused, looking at Robert expectantly, and Robert gave him the marriage license. "Robert and Mariah have come to witness before us, telling of their love for each other. We remember, theirs is a love whose source is the affection of those who loved them into being.
"We remind them that they are performing an act of complete faith, each in the other; that the heart of their marriage will be the relationship they create. In a world where faith often falls short of expectation, it is a tribute to these two who now join hands and hearts in perfect faith." Conrad felt uncomfortable again, mostly because he had a feeling that the couple he was marrying was marrying for reasons other than the ones he was listing. He just hoped that they found happiness and love in each other as the couple before them did.
Conrad turned to Robert. "Robert, will you receive Mariah as your wife? Will you pledge to her your love, faith and tenderness, cherishing her with a husband's loyalty and devotion?"
"I will."
He then turned to Mariah. "Mariah, will you receive Robert as your husband? Will you pledge to him your love, faith and tenderness, cherishing him with a wife's loyalty and devotion?"
"I will."
"Robert and Mariah, receive each other from your fathers and mothers, who give you into each other's keeping, by saying now, each to the other, words which will tell of your love."
Robert turned to Mariah, picking up her hands, his eyes grave. "I, Robert Garrick Jagen, take you, Mariah Lian Wong to be no other than yourself, in all the ways life may find us, tending you in sickness and rejoicing with you in health, as long as we both shall live to love."
Mariah took a steadying breath, willing away the intense sadness that surged inside of her. Happy. She was supposed to be happy. "I, Mariah Lian Wong, take you, Robert Garrick Jagen to be no other than yourself, in all the ways life may find us, tending you in sickness and rejoicing with you in health, as long as we both shall live to love."
"Will you now give and receive a ring?"
Robert nodded, pulling a box from his jacket pocket flipping it open he took out two rings, handing them both to Conrad. Conrad skipped the next section—he always found it boring—and skipped right to the ring vows. Handing one of the rings, a pretty diamond solitary, to Robert.
"Wear this ring forever, Mariah, as a symbol of love and peace and of all that is unending."
Mariah gasped slightly as Robert slid the ring on to her left hand.
Conrad then handed the other ring—a plain white gold band—to Mariah, who took Robert's left hand in her hands.
"Wear this ring forever, Robert, as a symbol of love and peace and of all that is unending."
Mariah pushed the ring onto Robert's large hand, running her delicate fingers over his, smiling slightly when he curled his fingers around her hand. She looked up into his abnormally soft eyes. Her heart melted a bit for the sacrifice he was making.
"Inasmuch as Robert and Mariah have declared their love and devotion to each other before family and friends, I now greet them with you as husband and wife." This time Conrad didn't have to be reminded. "Ye may kiss yer bride."
Robert leaned forward capturing Mariah's lips in a soft, unassuming kiss. He pulled away quickly, not wanting to overwhelm his bride.
Mariah, however, pulled him forward and kissed him again, showing him that he didn't need to coddle her. Their kiss went much the same direction as Kai and Liika's, only without the raw emotion behind it.
"Now that we have two happy couples, why don't I go see if that supper is ready hm?" Cassie said before walking briskly out of the church, leaving the group to celebrate amongst themselves.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Spencer sighed, rubbing his eyes. Tala would know by now that he had fled, and his guilt was now confirmed. His position was now worse than that of the rest of the Angels he had been trying to protect. He was the leader, he was the rat. He knew if he were caught Tala would torture him mercilessly until death. It would be a slow, extremely painful death.
A soft hand on his arm broke him out of his musings. He glanced over at the woman beside him, taking in her sombre eyes and serious facial expression. He smiled a bit, placing his hand over hers, his other staying firmly on the wheel.
"You worry." She stated softly.
"Yes," he replied, training his eyes back to the road.
It was about 8 o'clock Ireland time, and it was dark, but the rural roads of Monaghan shire were not busy. After fleeing the Abbey he had donned a disguise and flew out of the country to Ireland. He had met the mother of his child, and his child in the Dublin airport, and then picked up the car that had been waiting for him.
Ireland. It seemed very suspicious to him. Upon his arrival back at his room he had received a message on the line he had dubbed the 'Sergei line' from a Brooklyn Kingston. He had told him cryptically in an email that the Angels were in Ireland for a few days, and that it was soon all coming to an end.
That had been disconcerting. Somewhere along the way he had ceased being the head of the Angels and had been replaced by this outsider Brooklyn Kingston. He wondered at Kai's intelligence in trusting someone on the outside.
"Worrying will not solve anything." Maya said again, looking over her shoulder to check on her fourteen month old baby who lay asleep in the back seat. "You will have your answers when we get there."
Spencer grunted, reaching blindly over to entwine his fingers with hers. "I know."
It was about 8:30 o'clock when they pulled into a tiny driveway in front of the Monaghan county church. Exiting the vehicle, Spencer left his woman to get the baby from the back seat, and started up the stairs of the church. If they were staying anywhere, it was in the tiny church building—there was no way they were going to fit in side the small house to the left of the church.
Wasting no time he knocked on the door, figuring it better to knock and warn them of his presence, than to barge in and be attacked. After a few minutes he could hear voices arguing behind the door, caution filling their tone. He really thought it wasn't intelligent to actually answer the door—they should have left it so that he would go to the house. However, he tried, and was rewarded. Glancing upwards he caught sight of a small window that must have led to the attic and wondered if that's where they saw him. Or if they could even see him in the dark.
Of course none of them knew he wasn't with Biovolt.
"What do you want?" A female voice said tartly, through the door. "The church is closed."
Spencer recognized the voice as the Spanish princess, and his eyebrow arched. He heard Maya step up behind him, as well as the quiet gurgling of his daughter.
"Esperanza, you know who I truly am. Open the door, por favor, the chill is not good for a baby."
The door swung open instantly and the wide eyed brunette princess appeared, her eyes moving over the three, pausing on the small blond baby in the dark haired woman's arms. She gasped, her hand fluttering to her mouth. A blond appeared from the darkness, followed by a dark haired Chinese man.
Both Enrique and Lee's eyes widened when they saw who it was that stood on the small porch. Quickly Enrique pulled Anza back and, Lee stepped in front of them, their eyes hostile.
"Go warn the others," Lee said tightly, his eyes never leaving Spencer's.
"That is unnecessary," Spencer interrupted. "Wong, I am not what you think I am. I am no longer with Biovolt—I haven't been since the beginning. I am the one you call Sergei."
If at all possible Lee and Enrique's eyes expanded further. By now, the rest of the Angels had filtered down from the attic and were crowding around the two at the front, frantic murmurs running through them. Spencer had to struggle not to roll his eyes. Typical group mentality.
"What's going on?"
Robert's booming voice silenced them all, and the group parted allowing the tall German clear access to the door. He strode forward, his eyes squinting, Mariah following behind him, her hands resting gently on his back. Both looked as if they had been interrupted in the middle of something—their clothing hastily thrown on and their hair a mess. This of course got snickers and giggles from a few of the members of the group.
Like the rest, when he caught sight of Spencer, Robert looked surprised. However, unlike the rest he did not tense up and turn hostile. He merely looked surprised, and a bit worried. "Zaitsev." He stated, his eyebrows furrowing. "This is not a good sign."
"No, it is not." Spencer replied, glad that someone more rational had come to deal with the situation. "I cannot say I bring good news."
Robert inclined his head, his eyes shifting from the blond to the woman and baby behind him. If he was shocked he did not show it. "I think you have more than one thing to explain. Come in." He said, stepping back from the door, motioning for the two to come in.
"Robert! You can't let him in here! He probably has the rest of his army waiting to ambush us!" Kenny cried frantically, obviously frightened.
"I would not allow him entry here if I knew him to be dangerous." Robert replied shortly, throwing a look at the group. "Let them in."
Spencer, followed by Maya and the baby entered into the church, Lee closing the door behind them. "Where is Kai?" Spencer asked, directing the question at Robert's back.
"In the house," Robert replied. "He and Liika got married this afternoon. They are…busy."
Spencer stopped dead, his face paling dramatically. "Married…?" He echoed before slipping a mask over his shock. "This… is not good. Tala will know."
They entered the main room, Robert leading the way towards the door at the back. "We are fully aware of that. It doesn't matter, the end is near. We are only here for a few days."
"I'm going to assume that this is according to Brooklyn Kingston's plan."
Robert turned, catching the tall Russian's eye. "Yes. He has sided with us."
"Did you know that he has also sided with Biovolt?"
The group gasped, all eyes moving from Spencer to Robert in a flash, demanding answers. Robert looked unmoved, his arm resting around Mariah's waist, hugging her against his side. She too looked unmoved.
"We are aware that he is not honest with us, and that he has spies in Biovolt." Robert said. "We do not trust him completely."
"Good." Spencer sighed, rubbing his eyes. "I think Tala has found out about me. When I returned to the Abbey my locks had been cut and changed."
"Did you get the message Kai left you?"
Spencer cursed inwardly. "No. Which means Tala has it. I am surprised, however, that he did not arrest me right when he saw me."
Robert made to reply, but was cut off when the baby in Maya's arms began to cry. All attention shifted to the woman that had entered with Spencer, as well as the baby in her arms.
The child was beautiful, as far as any of them was concerned. She had large crystal blue eyes that tilted up in the corner attesting to her mother's Asian heritage—which at the moment were red and scrunched half closed—and blond hair, streaked purple. Despite the slight tilt of her eyes, she looked very much like Spencer.
"I think that there is something you would like to tell us," Robert said dryly, eyeing the child.
"Indeed." Spencer sighed, motioning Maya to his side. "This is Maya, she has been my agent as well as my…partner for a long time. Kai knows her. And this," he smiled a bit, taking the screaming baby from the woman. The child calmed almost instantly, hiccupping, and grasping fistfuls of her father's sweater. "Is Katia, our daughter."
Mariah smiled, stepping forward a bit and tickling the child under the chin. "She's beautiful."
"Thank you."
"Interesting, though I do not see why you would fight if you have a child to protect. In either case, it does not matter now." Robert sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Kai and Liika will not be seen until morning, so anything that needs to be discussed can be discussed then. You'll have to settle down in the attic with the rest, I'm sorry that there is not more room."
Spencer nodded. "That's fine. We will make due." A tired, but slightly teasing smile tilted the corner of his lips. "We can find our way. I'm sure you are very eager to get back to your bride."
Maya laughed softly at Robert's surprised look and Mariah's flushed face. At their questioning looks she answered for Spencer. "Your actions towards each other give it away, your rings solidify it."
Robert coughed, looking embarrassed, especially with the snickers that would echoing through the group around them. "I see. Anyway, I bid you good night."
"Good night."
xxxxxxxxxx
"I'm pregnant."
Liika's face drained of all color as she stared at the brunette in front of her. "Pre-pregnant? You're sure?"
Esperanza nodded, her eyes fearful. "Yes. I tested myself before we left Russia…and I've missed periods."
"How far along?" Liika couldn't believe it. She cursed violently inwardly. She couldn't believe that the two of them did not take the precautions!
"Three and a half months…from what I can tell." Anza answered, her voice hushed. "No one knows… not even Enrique. I've been so afraid…"
Liika sighed, hugging the taller Spanish princess. "It's ok, it'll be alright. But Anza…how did this happen? Surely if you were sleeping with Enrique you were taking precautions?" You're one to talk; there was no protection last night. Liika flushed a bit.
"That's just it!" Anza cried, sweeping her hair out of her eyes. "We were using protection! I was on birth control."
"Shit."
Anza sniffled, rubbing the tears from her eyes. "Tell me about it. I'd be thrilled…except that this isn't exactly the best time to have a baby."
"I hear you," Liika muttered, rubbing her friend's back. "But as the term says: 'Shit happens.' We'll just have to deal with it as we deal with everything…unless you wanted to take other measures…?"
"No." Esperanza replied instantly. "No…I'll have it. We'll just have to take it a day at a time."
Nodding Liika smiled, entwining her hand with her friend's. "Let's tell the others shall we?"
Anza sucked in a large breath. "Let's."