Forgive how long this one took. I had a fan fiction author who actually asked me to write a fan fic off of her's! Want to read it? If I get enough yeses I will post it. Her fan fic if 'The Baker Street Three', and it is found in the Sherlock Holmes Section. March Hare is such a great writer!

Time to take you all to Tintage! Oh, the surprises that await!

WARNING!: This is an extremely loooonnnggg chapter! I hope that it makes up for my faithful readers' entire agonizing wait. Three weddings in it – but none are Darien's and Serena's! Have to wait on that one. ^_^ So who's getting hitched? You'll have to read to find out.

Sailor Moon is copyright © 1992 Naoko Takeuchi/Kodansha, TOEI Animation. English Language Adaptation © 1995 DiC Entertainment

Hearts and Hopes

Chapter Three

Island of Surprises

Malachite had never felt so at peace in his life with that first view of Tintage. He could feel that the celebrations were already in full swing. As the skiff neared the dock the music came to their ears and made all smile.

Finally Mesi sat up and stopped the skiff's motion with a growl of joy. "Welcome to Tintage everyone!"

The group chuckled as they disembarked, only to be met with a shock! Standing before them was Kat!

She wore a secretive grin on her face and stood there as if she had been waiting days for them to arrive. "Welcome home, Prince Malachite."

"Kat, how did you get here?" Malachite asked with an eyebrow raised.

At this she laughed heartily. "You didn't sense my power! Oh, majesty you have been away from the Isles and true magic for far too long!"

"I don't understand, Kateri." Mesi looked worriedly on the group.

Only then did Malachite see what he had done to himself unconsciously. Kat nodded with a weary smile. "Yes sire. You blocked yourself from sensing the magic around you and all communications with my people. All because you deemed yourself not worthy of our friendship as you had been in the past."

Seeing that the rest were still in the dark, Kat snapped her fingers to change to the human sized version of her true self.

Her skin was still pale as ivory, but had a slight glow to it. Her long golden wavy hair looked windblown. Her deep blue eyes sparkled with mischief and wisdom. Her ears were slightly longer and had rounded off points at their tips. She wore a crown of various colored roses and rosebuds, baby's breath, wild honeysuckle, and ivy vine.

Her creamy peach satiny dress came in tight at the waist and flared out to just above her ankles, where it looked almost like flower petals laid to were they connected yet the bottoms came to points. After a beat the group realized that the entire dress was indeed made from flower petals.

Her wings seemed to be an iridescent tawny film, like a soap bubble – only shinier and glitterier, splashed here and there with crystals that made them look like a pair of butterfly wings.

"That explains a lot about what happened at the play. Your magic created most of the sets." Neflyte charge with a raised eyebrow.

Mirth filled Kat's eyes at that. "Of course. Over half of the sets we worked on were destroyed in the battle, so what else could I do?"

That made everyone smile – that she had cared about their play so much as to create sets from magic.

Then Malachite was stunned by something. "So your are to be wed today?"

That took away all of the mirth from her eyes and the smile from her face as Kat nodded. Even the glitter of magic that surrounded her was gone in a heartbeat. It made the group so sad to see her torn, after all that she had done for them. "That was what father told me this morning. But now is not the time for such things. Too many surprises for all of you to find yet."

It was obvious that she was forcing the smile on her face as she led them deeper into the island. After a ways they stopped behind her as Kat turned to face them with a somewhat genuine smile back on her face. "Now, this is where we all part. Follow the path on to the castle, and your surprises will meet up with you as you walk."

She faded from their view with a bittersweet smile on her face. The group as a whole felt worried for their friend as they walked on.

A few moments later a chuckle stopped them all and made Venus look as if she was about to faint. That couldn't have been! She took a few breaths before allowing a tear to fall from her eyes. "Erim? Is that really you big brother?"

"Hey there little sister. No hugs for me?"

Mina finally broke down into sobs of joy as she turned and jumped into his arms. Her last memory of this man was being in communication with him just as Beryl destroyed their home planet – and the agonizing pain of his death cries just before the monitor went blank before her.

"Erim! But, how?" Mina finally gasped out after letting herself weep for joy.

He had a sneaky grin on his face. "The magic of the Isles. And I'm not the only one who is here either. Do you remember Bryna?"

Mina's face blushed hotly at that name as she got lost in her memories for a moment and smiled dreamily. "Of course I remember her."

"Well she is not a she anymore. Bryna got herself reborn and here was where the too of you were to meet again. Turn around little sister and meet Bryan." Erim grinned sneakily.

Slowly Mina turned around and gasped. There was the most handsome man she had ever seen in her life! But then little things grabbed her attentions. Those lips, eyes, nose, and even the sneaky but happy grin were all familiar – those just couldn't be duplicated! "Bryna."

"Hey angel, it's Bryan now. Like the new look?" The man chuckled and winked – just like … oh it just had to be her (um well now it was him)!

Mina simply nodded with a sweet smile on her face and tears pouring down her cheeks as she fell into his embrace, too afraid to speak. At least until a young voice spoke up hotly. "What about me?! Didn't you miss me?!"

"Sissy? You're here too?" Mina twisted in Bryan's arms to find a younger version of herself looking up at her. "Aurora, it's really you!"

In a heartbeat she gathered the giggling child in her arms and snuggled back into the arms of the now man she loved so much. Only then did she see all of her friends smiling on them. They were all happy that Mina had finally found the love of her life once again.

Then Irene wore a strange smile on her face. "This is as good a time as any I suppose."

"A good time for what mother?" Serena looked innocently at the woman who had born her in this life.

Slowly her parents and brother changed into the family she thought had been lost to her a thousand years before! Queen Serenity, King Kendal, and Prince Samuel (the Prince who was never born). They were all there before her and the rest. Serena had to gasp a few times before she let the truth sink in and became the old Princess Serenity. "Mother! Father! Samuel!"

Serenity graciously embraced her sobbing daughter with the sweetest smile on her face. "We have always been with you, my darling."

"Serena, we have also been very proud of you from the start." King Kendal looked slightly different from Ken Tsukino. No glasses, straighter, and the air around him thrummed with regality.

Even Sammy had changed. It wasn't really in appearance but in how he carried himself. "And at least now you have Father and I with you as well."

Serena smiled through her tears. A male voice clearing interrupted them. "I hope you will forgive our intrusion, King Kendal and Queen Serenity."

That stopped Darien's entire body for a heart beat before her turned into Prince Darien. "Father?"

"I am here as well, son." Out stepped a woman they all began to quickly remember. She had eyes identical to Darien's and was so beautiful. All knew that they were again in the presence of the Queen of Elysian – Queen Kyna.

Beside her was a man that was so similar to the Prince. And then the rest remembered him as well. King Aiden of Elysian, Darien's father. "It has been a long time son."

For Darien it had felt longer than any millennium. He had lost this pair's modern identities when he was only five, and grew up in an orphanage. The trio embraced and for the first time in so long, Darien remembered not only his past in the Silver Millennium, but also his lost childhood in modern day Earth. He was whole in a way that not even Serena could make him.

As they all went on, family after family was reunited along the way. Lita was reunited (as Darien had been) with the family she had lost twice. Amy and Mina found out that their lost parents inside of their modern parents were still with them … and that Amy was about to become a big sister in the modern age. Raye found out that the grandpa who had raised her since the deaths of her modern world parents was the same grandpa who had doted on her in the Silver Millennium – as he and her missing parents came forward. Molly and her mother were reunited with her mother's true love from that long ago past – Lord Ian.

As the larger group walked up upon a garden clearing Malachite knew very well, four men in old kingdom style high military dress. It couldn't be! The four generals were stunned. Before them were Lord Craven, Lord Balmor, Lord Varden, and Lord Tarek. The four current Generals came forward, saluted and bowed to their predecessors and former teachers. To their relief they received the same honor.

Balmor chuckled at his student. "Well you finally got what you wished for, Zoicite."

"Yes sir. I'm female, have the love of my life, and a daughter on the way." She had always looked up to Balmor. He had been a father and the first of the original Generals to die – leaving she and Malachite his blessings.

Craven looked Malachite up and down. "Look like you have taken care of yourself and Zoicite well."

"Thank you sir." Malachite knew that Craven was not a man who freely showed his emotions. But to have such a compliment from him was a measure of pride Malachite never thought he would hear in this life.

Tarek too was harsh looking and stern, however Neflyte could feel the pride the elder man felt towards him. "You have regained much and helped in much more, Neflyte."

"I have, Lord Tarek." Neflyte reached back and was relieved Molly still remembered protocol. She took his extended hand and came forward with a sweet smile on her face.

"Princess Molly. You are looking stunning. I hope that little angel of yours hasn't kept you awake too often." Tarek saluted and bowed (as did the other Generals).

Molly smiled and nodded as her position called for. "Not all that often thankfully. Desiree knows when its time to sleep for mommy she has to be still."

Hearing her name mentioned Desiree spoke up. 'Hi!'

For the first time ever all four Generals smiled as the rest of the group chuckled. It was a sight that stunned the younger Generals.

Tarek smiled. "And hello to you young Princess."

Varden openly smiled on his former student. "You too have done very well since regaining your freedom, Jedite."

"I have also gain much more than I ever dared dreamed, Lord Varden."

The group went further into the island until, at the castle, Malachite was greeted with a shock! His sister was standing there talking to a man and a woman. He knew them both. For the first time ever he knew whom that man was! Malachite was staring at his lost father! "Mother … Father!"

King Leanian smiled and opened his arms. "It has been far too long son!"

Instinctively Malachite embraced his father, while a teary-eyed Zoicite found herself in the hold of his mother, Queen Devona's, welcoming arms. "Welcome home my daughter-in-law. Soon we will make it all legal so your heart can rest and you can focus on helping my granddaughter grow."

Both parents exchanged children so the welcome was complete. Devona whispered their plan to her son while Leanian held the pregnant woman close. "Welcome home my lawful daughter. And thank you for doing so much to guard and care for my son. We are so proud to make you a part of our family."

Despite their words, Zoicite remembered the old laws too well, and knew that since her father and mother had not appeared that she was still without a family name to come to the joining with. Leanian couldn't wait to spring his surprise on her. "Now you have visitors to meet with, and the rest of you no doubt could use some freshening up. Malachite, I hope you still remember where the reception room off of the main court area is. The two of you go there. While we take care of the rest of our guests."

Devona and Tourmaline smiled so sweetly as the couple walked off. What could be happening?

They walked into the room and were shocked to see the back of a man neither dared to hope would be at the island – King Gelban Lir Oran Zale Quein of the Royal Lineage of the Kingdom known as Britanal and Guardian of the race known as Dragons! "So."

Zoicite started to walk out of the room. She knew this man wanted nothing to do with her or her unborn daughter. For her to be upset now was bad for her baby.

Gelban on the other hand wasn't about to step back. "Hold your place child."

"King Gelban …" Malachite didn't like to see his beloved in such pain. But Gelban was firm. "I have something to say Prince Malachite."

The old man turned around and showed that his face was hard and unreadable. "Now you have had your way. Changed yourself from the little boy I was so proud of to a female. And now you're pregnant and not legally wed as well."

Zoicite felt like she was dying inside as she silently stood there and took it. Malachite, on the other hand, stood up for his beloved. "King Gelban …"

Gelban glared at Malachite with a mischievous hard look in his eyes. "I certainly hope you fully intend to make an honest woman of my daughter, Prince Malachite."

That stunned the couple. After a few heartbeats Zoicite looked up at the man before her and saw the weary hope he was feeling. Oh, he had changed his heart towards her! "Papa?"

"Forgive me baby girl. I was a fool and do not deserve you or that granddaughter in your belly." Gelban opened his arms and found his hope fulfilled as his daughter rushed into his arms sobbing. "Papa, I missed you so much!"

Hope was jiggled out of sleep. 'What's happening mommy?'

Gelban looked down at his daughter's belly in surprise. "Is that?"

"Yes, that is your granddaughter. Her name is Hope Atyia Hanari – though I think her name might grow a little now. How are you here?" Zoicite smiled as her father gently laid his hand on her belly.

"Unlike many of the others here today, our family still lives. I moved our entire kingdom to the realm of dragons the moment Beryl's forces closed in on us. Time moves slower there, so only a few years have passed for us, while the world changed dramatically over the centuries. I am so proud of you my daughter. I was afraid you would have nothing to do with me, and find yourself a new family so that you could marry." Gelban smiled down at his daughter's stomach. "Hello my granddaughter."

'Who are you?'

"That is your grandfather, Hope. Mommy's daddy." Zoicite blushed as she explained. It was a talk with her daughter she hadn't dared hoped to have.

Hope was excited. 'Pap paw!'

All of the adults chuckled at that. Gelban again looked sternly, this time at Malachite. "As I asked you before Prince Malachite, I hope that you intend on making an honorable woman of my daughter."

 "I had tried before, but I still hold my offer firm." His heart raced. Now there was nothing to stop them. He tossed a nearby pillow onto the ground in front of Zoicite and opened that ring box once again as he knelt one knee onto the pillow. Would she still reject him? "Zoicite Geraint Arvandus Olave Quein of the Royal Lineage of the Kingdom known as Britanal and Guardian of the race known as Dragons, will you me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Gelban shook his head at this. "That was my son's name, Prince Malachite. Before you now is my beloved daughter, Zoicite Genevieve Ardra Ove Quein. Shall you try again?"

Zoicite chuckled and wiped the happy tears from her eyes, not only was she accepted back by her father, but also she had a new female name. Malachite too had tears of joy in his eyes. "Then, most beautiful Zoicite Genevieve Ardra Ove Quein of the Royal Lineage of the Kingdom known as Britanal and Guardian of the race known as Dragons, will you me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Looking over at her father, Zoicite felt her heart race as he gave his agreement. "Prince and High Guardian General Malachite Cadel Baran Kenyon Hanari of the Mystic Triad Isles Kingdom and guardian of the True Magics of the Worlds, I would be honored and accept with all of my heart."

Malachite slid the ring onto his wife's finger and took her into his arms, deeply kissing the mother of his daughter. Now their last dream would finally come true.

A giggling at the door broke their kiss. Zoicite could hardly believe her eyes! Her three sisters and two brothers were there, surrounding their mother. "Zoicite!"

All five siblings pulled Zoicite into their arms without a dry eye among any in that room. Malachite and Gelban shook hands and embraced as family for the first time. Queen Moira made a clicking sound with her tongue that got all six of her children's attentions. "That is enough you five. We have all missed your sister terribly, but I believe I have not yet given her my hugs and kisses yet."

Zoicite rushed into her mother's embrace and broke into sobs of joy. "Mother! Oh mother!"

"Now sobbing is not good for your baby, my little girl. Hello little one." Moira chuckled back her own happy tears as she rested a hand on Zoicite's belly.

Hope was confused and sleepy. Who were all of these people? 'Mommy?'

"This is your grandmother – my mommy. Mother, that is Hope Atyia Hanari. Though we may add on to her name before she is born." Zoicite felt so happy, and in such peace.

Moira was happy and proud of her strong willed and stubborn daughter. Even at the child's birth as a boy, she knew that he was a she in disguise. The Queen smiled sweetly. "Hello my granddaughter."

'Grammy!' Hope cried out happily.

Everyone chuckled and talked for a while. But all too soon, the early morning took its toll on Zoicite, and Malachite ended up carrying her to her temporary rooms – just until their wedding.

On another part of the island, things weren't as happy. The Fairy King was holding court about the marriage of his daughter.

King Cavell had chosen Duke Aswad as Kateri's future husband. But every step along the way, a young and previously unknown lower noble named Lord Dallan had opposed this mating. And today on the girl's wedding day, he was still arguing.

"Your majesty, this is an unlawful pairing!"

Cavell had enough of this young man second-guessing his ruling. "How dare you say such?"

Aswad yawned. "Look boy, the King and I have plans to make. So leave. You are not going to stop this wedding."

"I will if I have to stand in the service and attest there." Dallan glared hotly at the arrogant pig.

Cavell growled. "You will not be there!"

"Kateri is not doing this of her own free will! She cannot truly say otherwise! Just ask her yourself!" Dallan shouted.

"Fine!"

Aswad was shocked at this. "But your majesty …"

"Enough! I will hear Kateri's words before him so there will be no more disruptions!" He sent a stern telepathic command for his daughter to appear.

In her pre-wedding finery, Kateri shimmered as she teleported into the room, not looking at who was with her father. Cavell could tell the bliss glimmer was forced, but why? "You summoned me, father?"

"Kateri, it has been questioned if you go into your marriage tonight of your own free will. I ask you before your betrothed who I chose for you and the one who questions your upcoming vows, do you go through these wedding preparations of your own free will?"

Kateri shook and looked at her feet. What could she say? This was what her father chose for her, and still another held her heart – one of lesser rank and privilege. But he was so kind to her, and only wanted her happiness. Aswad had beat her many times, and told her father she had tripped or walked into something. But she was not the one to say whom she would wed. That was not how royalty did it. Her father had the final say. "I will do as you say father."

"Is that what I asked you?" Cavell gently forced his daughter to look in his eyes. The tears told him the answer, but he wanted it from her lips as well.

"It was not father." Kateri felt the tears pour down her cheeks. "My heart belongs to another. I cannot marry Aswad because of how cruel he was to me. He beat me and nearly forced himself on me to procure his claim to your throne, father. It was my true love who stopped him then, and only my true love I will ever marry of my own free will."

Cavell felt enraged but Aswad's shout made it worse. "She's lying majesty! She's lying because she gave herself to another. Lying slut!"

"SILENCE! GUARDS! THROW ASWAD INTO THE DUNGEON AND LEAVE HIM THERE TO ROT!"

Kateri sobbed in her father's arms. Cavell held the girl so close. "Forgive me my precious child. Who has your heart … who is the man I must thank for protecting you and my throne?"

Kateri smiled warmly and her true joy filled bliss glimmer surrounded them both. "His name is Lord Dallan. He is so kind and loving and warm and strong. Oh father, he may only be a Lord in name, but he is the Prince of my heart forever!"

Looking at that man Cavell saw that the wedding would go as planned, but with a different groom and a few days further than at first. He then looked down at his daughter and smiled. With the wave of his hand, he magically banished all of the finery Aswad forced on her. "Who do you think rescued you from what would have been my foolish mistake, my daughter."

With his hand, the King presented Dallan. Kateri gasped in joy and ran into the arms of the only man she would ever love! He grasped her tight and breathed in her scent. She was free, and had proclaimed her love for him! Still there were the laws he had to follow.

Taking her hand he step forward to the King and bowed. "Majesty, you heard Kateri's own profession of love for me. I too am deeply in love with her. I ask for your permission to marry thy daughter in the place of Duke Aswad."

"Aswad is a Duke no longer. And seeing as I nearly forced my beloved daughter into his arms, it is not I you should ask young man. That question will be answered by Kateri herself." Cavell was pleased by this young man, and knew that if he was this fiery when it came to his daughter, Dallan would make a fine King one day.

Dallan felt his heart race with hope as he faced his only love. "Kateri, I love you with all of my heart. But, I want nothing except your happiness. I hope that would include me at your side. My Princess and only love, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Looking at and receiving blessing from her father in the form of a nod, Kateri sobbed out her answer. "Yes Dallan, I will marry you!"

With their kiss a new crown that was brighter and filled with more love than the last appeared upon her head, along with fewer but more beautiful shimmering jewels materialized on her wings.

Watching his own fiancée and unborn daughter sleep, Malachite felt that things had been set right for his friend, Kat. A few days here beyond the worlds and all would be ready for the wedding. He could hardly wait until he could legally hold this beautiful woman as his wife.

For the first time in so long, Zoicite looked completely at peace – even in her sleep. She was reconciled with her family, and would soon be his bride. Malachite felt so very lucky that they had suffered through so much, and still remained together.

"I love you my Zoicite … my baby Hope. Sleep well." He kissed Zoicite's lips, and then her belly where their daughter lay resting. Leaving the pair to rest, he walked out to get to know his family again.

Knowing them as well as he did, Malachite quickly found them in the garden the group had entered upon their arrival. "That was a nice surprise. Zoi had been hurting much as of late, when I asked her to wed me by the old laws as she had asked once we rebelled and helped to destroy Beryl she found that she couldn't with an eased heart. She told me of the confrontation she had with her father after out last binding, and it ripped my heart to see her weep so."

"Adamina and Arian told us son, that is why we arranged this trip. Besides it is healing old wounds and reuniting others as well." Devona smiled on the man her son had grown into.

Malachite looked so much like his father (excepting for his mother's eyes and lips), she was glad of that and that he had been taken from the Isles at so young an age. It made him better than he would have become. That was why she and her beloved husband manipulated Craven's dreams so long before.

King Leanian too was smiling at the man he and his wife created so long before. A man he was very proud of – mistakes and all. "So, I take it that my middle child is to be wed shortly?"

Malachite nodded with a smile. "In two days. How are the rest settling in?"

"Just fine dear brother. Though I think your bride to be is about to awake looking for you." Tourmaline smiled at the big brother she never gave up on nor lost hope in.

Using his powers he sensed that little sister was right. With a gracious bow fit for his new role of a Prince, "I must keep her calm for our child. Until later, my family?"

With all of their nods, he teleported to his beloved's rooms just as she woke from her nap. "Malachite?"

"Shhh, I'm right here. How do you feel, my love?"

Zoicite sighed as she cuddled in her fiancé's arms. It felt so good to be with him, and knowing that soon they would be legally married. It felt even better to have her family and new name as well. "Better. Mother used her magic to take away my headache from all of that crying earlier. I can't believe I acted so."

"You were facing the family you thought you would never see again, and our engagement did make you a bit happy … am I correct in that assumption?" Malachite loved how she was still perfectly molded to his embrace. They were meant for one another ... of that he had no question.

"Of course it did! I love you my Malachite!" Zoicite had tears in her eyes again.

He liked her happy like this. With her natural beauty, joy, and blossoming motherhood shining from her, Malachite couldn't help but smile.

In a shimmering second, both nodded – knowing that a Fairy friend was coming to pay them a visit. It was Kateri and a young man beside her. "Congratulations you two!" She giggled out.

The couple before the Fairies knew that this time, their friend's joy was genuine. Malachite smiled as he hugged his future wife a little closer. "Thank you Kateri. So, what happened to bring back your joy this intensely?"

She giggled cheerfully. "My marriage plans have changed. Instead of malicious and greedy Aswad tonight, I am marrying the man who saved me from what would have been eternal … well you can guess. Prince Malachite … Princess Zoicite, I'd like you both to meet my future husband, Lord Dallan. Dallan, these are my friends, Prince Malachite and Princess Zoicite."

Dallan bowed a respectable distance that he had been accustomed to, which was slightly lower than his future position. "I am please to meet you both, your majesties."

"You only need nod to us now that you will be a Prince yourself shortly, Dallan." Zoicite smiled as she gently corrected the obviously nervous young man.

It made Dallan blush. He had so much to learn and so little time before the wedding. "I will try to remember that."

Malachite winked with a smile. "You needn't be nervous around us Dallan. We are royals who don't count score for behavior and style. And for those royals, put yourself firm to your heart, and they will have no just reason to rebuke you."

Dallan smiled and nodded. "We came by to hope you will accept our invitation to the wedding the night before all of you go back."

That was the strong man that Kateri fell in love with. She looked up at him with eyes filled with devotion, ardor, and pride. And then, remembering where she was, blushed and looked at her friends. "Please say that you can."

"Zoicite, do you think you will feel up to it?" Malachite didn't want to disappoint his friends, but his bride would come first always.

Zoicite nodded. "As long as a certain little girl agrees to not doing any magic."

'I won't mommy. I promise. I'd really like to go, please.' Hope sighed as she fought off sleep – sensing the magic rolling off her parent's guests just as the request had been made.

This amazed the other engaged couple. Kateri spoke for them both. "You daughter already speaks to you … in womb?"

"Is there another who does the same?" Dallan asked with hope shining in his eyes. Could the age have arrived outside of their Isles at last?

The proud parents nodded. Malachite rested his hand on his bride's belly as he spoke. "I remember well the prophecy. Lord Nephrite's unborn daughter too has spoken to us all with her mind since she was about Hope's age. Though I believe she had been waiting for special days to speak to each of her parents for the first time. It is a story I will tell later."

"Please invite the rest of the group for me. I would really like to see them all there." Kateri again giggled, which for a heartbeat brightened her shimmering aura.

Malachite smiled. This man made their friend so happy. How could he say no? "We will. It is the least we can do for what you did for us. You will be there for ours of course?"

"We wouldn't miss it." Dallan answered when Kateri smiled up at him.

Neflyte and Molly sat near a pond just before dinner and soaked up the peacefulness that surrounded them. All was still and the place was beautiful, but still Neflyte was so pensive and withdrawn. Molly waited, knowing that eventually her husband would reawake to her and the baby's presence. Her patience in moments was rewarded with him smiling and pulling her close to his chest. But those moments he was gone into his mind alone, Molly wondered what was wrong. "Neflyte?"

"What angel?" He prayed she hadn't noticed his pain, and that she would ask what his heart knew she was going to ask anyway.

Molly looked up at him and shook her head. He just knew her too well it seemed. "What's wrong?"

He could have argued about it, but what was the point? Eventually his beloved would find out the truth. Better to say it and have it over with. "I was thinking about how lucky the others are to be reunited with their lost families."

"You don't remember yours. I kinda wish they were here." Molly felt so sad for him. After all that Neflyte had gone through and done, he deserved time with the people he lost as a young child.

He could only continued to condemn himself. He felt he didn't deserve to see them. But he would have liked it if Molly had met his parents, and for Desiree to have spoken to them. He knew the prophecy well, and knew the new age would soon arrive.

Yet, before he could say a word, a new feminine voice filled the air. "We have been here child, we were busy working on a surprise for you three."

Though he never remembered before that moment, Neflyte was certain of whom he had heard – right at that moment and whenever he spoke with the stars. "Mother?"

Turning both of them saw a woman with Neflyte's smile and hair standing next to a man that was the rest of the General with a darker shade of red for color. This new couple mirrored Molly and Neflyte in the fact that obviously the pair had a large age difference between them – about equal to the younger couple's. The man even had Neflyte's chuckle as he looked on the couple. "Well, I see you have my fondness for you red heads, son! And my stubborn streak as well."

"At least he has my talents for star talk. And you are our daughter. So sweet, kind, effervescent, and determined a young woman – oh, how well you parallel and compliment my little boy at the same time, Molly. Qualities that will shine in that grandbaby I see and feel within you." The woman's words made Molly blush and Neflyte's heart soar. His parents had not only accepted his young wife, but adored her as much – if not more so – as he did.

With much pride and adoration, Neflyte stood and smiled. "Mother … Father, I wish to present my beloved wife Molly and our unborn daughter Desiree. Molly … Desiree, these are my parents …"

Suddenly, Neflyte remembered that he had been only a few weeks old when his Clan had been wiped out. He had no clue as to their names except for the surname he always used in some form or another – Stanton. He felt so ashamed at that moment, and Molly's heart wrenched for him. Both of his parents smiled knowingly and understandingly.

"You were far too young to remember son." His father said as the older man laid a supportive hand on his son's shoulder.

Neflyte's mother smiled and wiped away the tears he hadn't noticed he had been crying with her thumbs. "There is no reason for you to feel ashamed. We will introduce ourselves and finally give you your full name. Molly … Desiree … my son, I am Queen Aiyanna Desiree Kachina Stanton."

"And I am King Aranck Maxfield Cheveyo Stanton."

That stunned Neflyte. "The name I take in the world … to keep the secrets safe …"

"Is simply a part of your father's name. And I was so pleased when you instinctively took one of my names for the first name of our beloved granddaughter." Aiyanna smiled as she gave her son a kiss on his cheek – the first one since as she died so long ago. "Even with your mistakes and evil past son, we are so proud of you."

Neflyte couldn't hold back his tears. His parents were proud of him! And then he received a shock. Aiyanna hugged him tight. "And you, my son, are Prince Neflyte Pution Taro Stanton of the Royal House of Kaphiri and guardian of the Stars."

Desiree had quietly listened to it all. 'I like daddy's name, mommy.'

"So do I sweetheart. Oh that was …" Molly started to explain, but Aranck held his hand up to stop her. "We know that voice well, my lawful daughter. Hello Desiree."

The girl was as shy as her mother sometimes got. 'Hi.'

Aiyanna smiled gently. "You don't to be shy with us, our granddaughter."

'I thought I only had Grammy! Wait till Hope hears this! I have two Grammies!' That made everyone smile and chuckle.

Neflyte rubbed his wife's swollen belly with pride. His parents then chuckled. Aranck had a tear in his eye. "I think that it is time to show that surprise now."

They led the couple to the stone gardens. Neflyte couldn't believe his eyes! There were people that he had seen in his dreams and visions over the thousand years of his exile and since regaining his freedom … they were surrounding him and his pregnant wife. What was happening?

Aranck took on his royal airs. Something was happening, and it was important. "My Clan," had he called them … oh, Neflyte was in the presence of the Clan he had lost when he was a very young child. "The new age has been foretold by the birth of two royal daughters that speak before they are seen. I am proud to decree that one of those daughters is of our Clan!"

The cheers were near deafening! Molly could see that Neflyte was happier than he had ever been in both their past and present lives. Aiyanna took Molly's hand and led the young mother to the center of the circle. Molly had never been so nervous in her entire life! But her mother-in-law's smile instantly set the young woman at ease. Aiyanna took up the announcement next. "Not only that but the child is within my son, Neflyte's, wife, Princess Molly Rachel Stanton."

The cheers became even louder. Neflyte walked over and rested his hands proudly on Molly's shoulders. Desiree wasn't sure what was happening. 'Daddy, mommy? Are they talking about me?'

That silenced the Clan. Neflyte's smile was brighter than Molly had ever seen. "Yes, Desiree."

'Hi. My name's Desiree.'

The Clan again cheered.

Aiyanna took off one of her necklaces. A beautiful teardrop crystal. "This is the symbol of my title, which now, my lawful daughter, belongs to you. It will heighten your own powers and give you what each of the Queen within this Clan have possessed."

Molly could feel that there was a change in herself, her Senshi crystal, and her power.

And then Aranck took of the ring he wore on his middle right finger. He took Neflyte's right hand. "Son, this is the ring that symbolizes the ruler of our Clan. Every King has worn it and, like your mother's gift to Molly, it has stored a part of each of those rulers – including myself. It will do the same for you as your mother's gift has done for Molly. May it make you a stronger and wiser High Guardian General Leader, husband, and father." With that he slid the ring onto Neflyte's hand.

The change happened in an instant. However, the gifts and wisdom within him now would take a long time for Neflyte to go through. What was most important to Neflyte was that he knew his father and mother better for that ring, and a part of them would forever be with him.

With a cheer the Clan slowly vanished. Neflyte and Molly didn't have to ask. But Desiree was confused. 'Daddy, where did the people go?'

"They had been waiting those thousand years for my return to my duties and this visit to Tintage to celebrate your existence and mine, my daughter. Now they are able to rest in peace at last." Neflyte explained. Molly noted that even his voice sounded more royal than before.

Later that night, Neflyte was proud to finally introduce his parents to his friends and their families.

Jedite too met his parents for the first time. It seemed that he was his father made over, yet held his mother's talents. King Aldrich and Queen Laurel doted on Jayde as if the girl was their granddaughter by birth. And Brooke was a blessing in their eyes, right along with her unborn son.

Jedite felt whole as he took his turn to introduce his parents to those he considered to be part of his extended family.

And then something amazing happened. Seven young dragons landed near the group. It was impossible to ignore the excitement and happiness in all of their eyes. But who were they? Only Zoicite could tell. And in a heartbeat she knew who they were without asking one question. "The eggs."

"Godmother? Mesi told us of your dreams coming true. We hadn't dared hoped we'd get to meet you." The glittery silver teen giggled out. Oh, this one was her mother at that age made over. "I am called Eirian. My twin sister over there is Jord." The other dragon was strikingly similar in looks, but not attitude. Zoicite saw the teens' father at that age easily in this child. "I can speak for myself sister! It is wonderful to finally meet you godmother."

Zoicite chuckled as she remembered all of the fights these kids' parent got into before love finally bloomed. "And I finally get to meet the kids I thought I'd never get to see. And the rest of you?"

The dark gray male grinned and bowed. "I am Badr."

The light gray dragon whose scales were marbled with darker gray strands wiped away her tears and bowed. "I am Agate, godmother."

"I'm called Leil." The near black gray male dragon called out before respectfully bowing.

A brown near true Earth dragon bowed deeply and looked up to Zoicite with only his eyes betraying the joy that was in his heart. "Cronan is my name, godmother."

A deep clay red dragon followed in Cronan's example. "And I am Kersen."

Zoicite embraced each teen with tears in her eyes. "I am more glad to see all of you than any of you are expecting I'd bet. I am glad to see that your parents still live through all of you."

Agate looked confused. "But godmother, we each act so different."

"I know." Zoicite nodded. "Yet each of you are your parents reborn. You each show a different facet and yet the whole of both Adamina and Arian. And I know that they are so proud of each of you."

Leil wiped a tear from his eye. That was something they had wanted to hear for as long as any of them could remember. But then they received a shocking gift.

Shimmering light appeared in the middle of the garden and the two missed dragons reappeared in the mortal realm. "Your godmother speaks true our children. We are both very proud of you."

The teens couldn't hold back their tears – not even steadfast Cronan and Kersen. Eirian was the one to first speak for them all. "Mother? Father? Is it really both of you?"

"Yes our darlings. We still watch over you seven. We are proud of the paths you have chosen. Yes Cronan, we too are proud of your path with Aislinn. She is strong and will survive this and many other births." Both parents smiled and nodded.

The other six were stunned. Agate swallowed hard before finding her voice. "Big brother, why didn't you tell us of your pairing?"

"You see how most of our race treat us and need to ask me why? Even now it is secret from her people as well." Cronan sighed. "I did not wish to lose my only family left, but she and I are one and have been before we knew one another."

Steadfast Jord answered for them all. "We are happy that the two of you have finally admitted the truth that we all saw from the start, big brother."

Zoicite grinned knowingly at her godson. "So, who is Aislinn and when do I get to meet her?"

Cronan cracked a smile for the first time since the group of humans met him and his siblings. "I can go get her right now."

Then his parents looked so serious. "If you do not go for her now, she and the egg will die."

Without a word, Cronan flew off at his top speed. Zoicite looked up worriedly at her lost friends. "He will reach her, do not worry Zoicite. And as for who Aislinn is, she is a human on the far shore called Grantal."

Cronan felt his eight valved heart beating triple paced and his lungs felt like they were on fire; still he refused to slow down. Not so long as his mate and their unborn egg were in danger. He slowly climbed to gain speed. In no time he spotted the rocky shoreline of his mate's homeland. In moments he also spotted that he love was being chased towards the edge of a high cliff! "Aislinn!"

She had run so fast that her belly hurt terribly. It was still too soon for it to be time to birth the baby; she was only six months along. Aislinn knew that the village elders planned on cutting the baby from her belly and dissecting it alive! She couldn't let that happen to her child. So she ran. But the elders sent the men of the village to capture her. They said that she was a dark witch and was carrying a demon in her belly that would kill them all.

The pain was so intense, but she couldn't stop. She'd die before she'd let those monsters hurt her baby! Cronan wouldn't be back until nightfall from the Triad Isles. She was sure both she and the baby would be dead by then.

Suddenly she heard her name cried out from above? It was Cronan! But, was he too late? Her legs collapsed beneath her, and Aislinn hit the ground … unable to get up, much less run any further. Another contraction hit ripping pain through her body. She saw the mob coming in to capture her … only a few feet away from her. But then, they all drew back in fear, and the ground beneath her shook as Cronan landed with a roar of anger. The mob ran for their lives. Before he could attack them, Cronan heard his mate groan in pain. "Aislinn, did they hurt you or the baby?"

"None of them touched us. It was the running … ow! Cronan, I think the baby is coming! It can't be time yet! Ow!" She painted out as the contractions started to grow closer together.

Without another word, Cronan carefully gather his love into his arms and took to the winds. He could only pray that they would make it to the Triad Isles before the baby was birthed.

Thankfully they did. It took four hours with Zoicite and Molly seated next to her, but Aislinn finally birthed an egg! By the pattern and color, Zoicite promised that it was a boy. The young new mother burst into tears of joy, a son on their first try. Cronan too was ecstatic, not only for the healthy egg his mate had birthed, but that his mate was very much alive – and able to have more children. He had feared that this surprise pregnancy life had set on them at the beginning of their marriage would leave his beloved either dead or barren.

As the stars began to shimmer above them, Malachite and Zoicite walked with their friends and families towards the stables. He held his love close to his side and looked at his mother and sister. "I don't understand."

Tourmaline grinned with joy dancing in her eyes. "For the dozenth time big brother, it is a surprise."

Devona too had mirth shimmering in her gray eyes. "Tell us all of the one tremendous joy that became an equally tremendous sorrow for the two of you after you were mated."

Zoicite sighed as tears came to her eyes. She had forgotten that horrid day and the years of joy they had shared before that. She had forgotten their little daughter of their hearts. "Our baby daughter … our baby Glorianna."

"Glorianna Millicent Amorica Jasmine. She was the daughter we secretly adopted. The four of us found her a year after Zoi and I were mated. She was laid in a basket beneath one of the many jasmine trellises surrounding the compound. It was one that Zoi and I had planted years before." Malachite explained to those who didn't know.

Jedite smiled with a tear in his eye. "I told the two of you since it had been a time since your mating, and she was rested beneath the trellis you two worked on together, she had to have been meant for you two. Like the Lord and Lady had sent her to you two as a gift, like any other married couple would have when they gave birth to a child the usual way."

Neflyte chuckled. "I told them an unusual couple have to have kids in an unusual way – that was how things worked."

Everyone laughed at that. "She loved to play and help in the stables, mostly with the ponies." Zoicite then clung tight to her only love. "She died! Our precious baby died!"

"Yes, my future daughter. A very poisonous viper bit Glorianna three days before the sixth celebration of her arrival in their lives. She lived long enough to promise you two something though." Devona pointed out.

A giggle the Generals knew all too well echoed out of the stables. Their eyes grew wide with shock and hope. Malachite could barely speak. "She promised to come back to us. And then let go of her last breath."

Zoicite ran from his arms and into the stables with tears pouring down her cheeks. "Glorianna?! … Oh, Glorianna!"

The female came out with a shimmering smile on her face and tears of joy running down her cheeks and onto a beautiful pale strawberry/silver blond head tucked under her chin. Malachite and the other Generals knew that hair anywhere!

With joy Malachite pulled them both into his arms. "My girls. Baby girl, do you know us?"

A pair of sparkling green eyes looked up as the child sat up in Zoicite's arms. "Yes I do, daddy! Now I can call mommy my mommy all the time!"

Everyone chuckled at that as the girl returned to hugging Zoicite tight. When he rubbed her back, the girl sat up and reached for Malachite. Obeying her longing, he took her into his arms and hugged her tight. She still smelled like the jasmine she always loved to play and bathe in.

Glorianna turned around and squealed in glee. "Uncle Jedite! Uncle Neflyte! Huggies!" Her arms reaching out for the pair in her sights followed that very vocal demand.

Grinning and wiping away tears of joy, Neflyte took the child from Malachite's arms and embraced her with all of the love he had long before and more. He had doted and adored her through all of her too short life, very much like a true uncle. Holding her again meant the world for him. But her whisper in his ear made it all the grief he once suffered after losing her melt into the sweetest of joys. "I missed you too, Uncle Neflyte."

Reluctantly he released her into Jedite's hands. Overjoyed by this surprise, he tossed and caught the giggling girl a few times before finally pulling her in for a big hug. Like she always had before, the girl squeezed his neck tight. Everyone laughed at the overly done choking sounds Jedite made. "Hey baby girl, can I have some air please?"

"No."

"Pretty please?" Jedite had a twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his lips. It had been too long since he had done this.

"No."

Everyone chuckled at the scene. Jedite clutched that girl tight to him as he did his own daughter. "I'll toss you a little more."

That chuckling turned into full laughter in a heartbeat when she released his neck and stuck her hands out at her side expectantly. "Okay!"

As he promised, Jedite tossed and caught the little girl as she squealed in joy.

During all of this Devona whispered to Malachite and Zoicite. "She was born of magic beneath the jasmine Malachite had planted long before placing the wish of a true love and family of his own back when he was the little girl's age. And that she was held here by the magic of those who had gone beyond the veil, but was a real child that wanted to be yours once again."

Zoicite smiled and had tears of joy and hope in her eyes. But remembered that picture clearly. "Mother …"

"I know. But, who do you think will be behind the camera?" Devona winked.

Malachite nodded, meaning she had his agreement. But, Zoicite knew there was another who might have feelings about this. "Baby girl?"

'Do I have a big sister, momma?' Hope sound so excited and happy. To Zoicite that was a good sign. "If you want her to be." Hope moved around excitedly at that. 'Yes, yes, yes! Pretty please can she be my big sissy, momma?'

Zoicite didn't want to let her love and daughter down. "Glorianna, come here please."

Jedite let the little girl down, and watched her run over to his friends while Zoicite knelt down to look in the girl's eyes. Zoicite smiled. "Baby girl, we missed you so much. And daddy and I want you to be ours again. And so does the baby girl in my belly. Don't you Hope?"

'Hi! Are you my big sissy?' Hope sent out, and that had tears in everyone's eyes.

Glorianna let hers fall. "You still want me? Even if I'm not from your belly? And you want me to be your big sister?" That last question was directed at Zoicite's belly.

"It looks like you are meant to be our little girl. But even if that weren't the case, we'd want you as ours just as deeply as we do now." Malachite too knelt to this little girl's height.

Zoicite wiped her first child's cheeks free of tears. "We love you now, we loved you so long ago, and we will always love you. Glorianna, back before we lost you, you weren't from my belly. It didn't matter to us then, and it matters even less to us now. Your are the daughter of our hearts. A daughter the Lord and Lady sent to us once long ago, and have given us back once again."

'I want my big sissy! Please?!' Hope cried out tearfully.

Glorianna cried as she climbed into Zoicite's arms. "My mommy! My daddy! My baby sissy!"

It was Hope's turn to squeal in joy. 'I have a big sissy! Yea!'

Everyone chuckled happily at that. Zoicite rested, with her first daughter, in the arms of her only love. The pair was whole again after so many loses.

Two days later, all of the Isles joined to celebrate the marriage of its King.

Zoicite was happy that her and Malachite's overly excited daughter was staving off all magic. Any early evening morning sickness would make her already nervous belly go over the top.

All of the Scouts, and her family, and the family that would shortly become hers bustled around to get her ready. After all there was only an hour to go until the ceremony – the official ceremony. Zoicite could hardly believe that it was finally happening. Soon none could say ill of her chosen mate because of her.

Her normal ponytail was taken down to show that Malachite had been her first. Mina brushed the locks until they gleamed and glistened. After Zoicite had soaked and bathed in a floral bath, she was dried and put into a white silk chemise that had fitted sleeves and flowed to the ground. Then she was slid into the outer gown of heavy silk brocade. It was gold, beaded, and embroidered so richly, Zoicite couldn't believe that it was commissioned only two days earlier. The outer gown fitted her body well, but did not reveal her pregnancy – not even when the beaded silk belt was loosely tied around the top of her hips and allowed to drape down the front. A green train was attached to her shoulders and trailed behind her to a Royal Cathedral length of twenty feet. Along with this was a single length, white diamond spun air strand veil (that can only be made, and is rarely done so, by air dragons) that was held in place with three pearl pins. The bride was finally ready.

A knock at the door broke Zoicite from her mild shock at how she looked as a bride. When the door opened it was her father who held that same shock. She was beautiful! "Hard to believe I just got you back, and now I'm giving you away baby."

"You might be giving me to my love in marriage daddy, but I'll always be your daughter … always." Zoicite vowed as she hugged her father.

"I missed the last one because I was blind to your feelings. So, how about we try it again?" Gelban offered his arm, and relaxed with a sigh when his daughter accepted it.

Zoicite shook her head. "Daddy, I forgave you a long time ago. With both behaved wrong in the meeting after my and Malachite's mating a thousand years ago. Let's show all that we're a untied family again."

Gelban nodded and the group was off for the Morning Hall.

****

Malachite on the other hand was having a rough time at it. The men were having a good laugh at it. The usually impassive second, was a wreck!

He had lost his cufflinks three times, nearly paced a hole into the floor of his room's balcony – hoping for some sight of his love (which he only got a dirty look and finger waving from all of the Scouts before they closed the sheer drapes that allowed full moonlight in and no view to be seen by either side of the curtains), and had already hyperventilated! Now he was wishing that they had eloped in those woods once again. No, Zoicite didn't get an official wedding the last time. He would force himself through anything to give her that dream – to be his wife by the laws of their time.

Finally tired of the incessant snickering from the lone single male among them, Malachite grinned over at Darien. "You do realize that you and Serena will be expect to finally set a date down after this?"

Darien's eyes grew wide, and the snickers died in his throat as he swallowed hard. The other two how ever busted into howls of laughter. At least it brought Malachite out of his nervous state. The four of them headed off for the private room they were to wait for their cues.

After only a few minutes wait, the music told them it was time for them all to come out. Each was dressed in the dress uniform of his homeland, their rank insignias from their modern uniforms to draw the three together.

Darien's was the only one different from this. He wore the ruby sash and golden crown that pronounced his being the new King of Elysian and High King of Earth.

Neflyte, now King of the Moon Dragon Clan, wore silver/gray slacks and jacket with a purple slash. On his circlet was the dragon/moon design that was used to clasp his jacket close.

As the new King of Mydlon, Jedite wore a soft green uniform with a golden sash and circlet that had a ring of jade threaded in its center.

Malachite disliked the dress uniform he wore, but as the Crown Prince of the Mystic Triad Isles and the soon to be crowned King he had no choice. When Zoicite caught a glimpse of it as he tucked it away for the wedding the last time he saw her, she told him of how she couldn't wait to see it on him. That gave him the only reason he suffered through wearing it.

White slacks and jacket … silver sash that had spells of protection embroidered down both edges in royal purple … white kid gloves like the others' … and a silver circlet engraved with his family name and title in runic alphabet.

Finally the music signaled and they took their places by the alter. Malachite, Jedite, Neflyte, and then Darien.

***

Zoicite felt her heart race as the music cued the bridal procession into the wedding ceremony to begin. Bryan, Greg, Ken, and Chad slowly made their way down the isle two by two – each dressed in the royal finery expected of one courting a Sailor Senshi Princess, each whom were in floor length court dresses similar to Serena's Princess gown.

Then followed Mina. She was dressed as she had a thousand years before for Royal Court. The dress was a light yellow with gold shimmer from the threads of real gold spun into the threads of silk. Instead of her usual red bow were five yellow peony blooms holding up her usual ponytail. In her hand was a bouquet of yellow orchids.

Amy's dress was a soft and shimmery cerulean that had sapphire dust woven into the airy fabric. She had five blue delphiniums on a comb in her hair. And her bouquet was made up of lilacs.

Lita finally looked very feminine in her sparkling jade dress. Instead of her high ponytail, she followed Zoicite's cue and left her hair down but pulled back from her face by a headband of ivy. She looked completely different, but Ken had no complaints. Her bouquet was made up of hydrangeas.

Raye's glittering red certainly gained Chad's approval. Her hair flowers – five red carnations – were wove together in a ring. In her hands was a bouquet of red roses. Before the music began, he whispered that he should have proposed long before if she was going to be this beautiful – Raye softly blushed and looking into his eyes with hers full of hope. Chad took the hint and got on one knee before her. "Raye, would you marry me?"

She smiled and felt her heart race with joy. "I was wondering when you were going to get the nerve to ask. Of course I'll marry you, Chad!"

And then the pair remembered where they were, and who was with them. The group as quietly as they could applaud and giggled. Zoicite grinned over at the Moon Princess. "Oh, that reminds me. Serena when are you taking your turn?"

"Um … after Raye?" Serena flaked, making the girls all chuckle.

Greg shook his head. "Sorry Serena, I think that it will be much sooner than that. Raye's the fourth Scout getting hitched."

All of the Scouts looked at him with one question on all of their lips. "Who's the next three?"

"I'm not saying." And he left it at that.

While the group waited, Mina and Bryan stood near a window a watched the citizens of the deep celebrating. Bryan took a hold of his love's left hand and rested it on his chest – just above his heart. "I missed you angel."

"I missed you more. I just hate that I'm going to end up losing you all over again." Mina had sworn that she wouldn't think about that day. But it was getting so close.

Bryan smiled on her with a twinkle in his eyes. "Angel, you aren't going to lose me. I live in Tokyo. I just moved there for my job when Queen Serenity reminded me of our past and show me the gift she gave me – becoming male in this life. I thought for sure I would never find you again. Then I was invited here by the Queen, and found a skiff waiting for me in the park's lake. In minutes I found your family and then we were reunited minutes after that. I'm going back to our world with you, Mina."

Her eyes went from torn to full of joy in a heartbeat. She smiled brightly. "Really? That is the sweetest gift I could have ever gotten in my entire life!"

"I have a better one." He pulled a small box out of his pocket. "Forgive me for not being glaringly obvious as Chad earlier. I don't want to lose you again before we can get married love. Mina, will you be my wife?"

Mina's eyes filled with grateful tears. "Yes."

She and Raye compared rings. Raye's was a ruby with two diamonds on either side. Mina's was a citrine stone surrounded by small diamonds. Amy kept her flowers in her left hand to keep her engagement ring hidden so to keep her and Greg's secret pledges just that – secret. It was a royal blue sapphire heart surrounded by diamonds.

Zoicite was so happy for her friends. She knew that life would have been very different if her youmas had succeeded in killing Neflyte. She shook that horrid thought from her mind. Today was for celebrating.

Serena, Molly, and Brooke seemingly knew what had flashed in the bride's mind. Brooke and Molly both rested a hand on their bellies, where their unborn children rested. Zoicite emulated them and smiled. She was grateful that life had come about this way. Serena – carrying white lilies, and then Molly – carrying gold-flaked silver orchids only found on Tintage, and finally Brooke – carrying purple ice crystal roses – each made their way down the isle.

Zoicite's two youngest brothers carried a ring on a pillow each. And then, Jayde and Glorianna giggled before they started down the isle laying a mixture of rose, daisy, and chrysanthemum petals, spices, and magic down the sides of the isle. It was Zoicite's turn at last. She smiled up at her father, who knew that he didn't have to ask if she was certain about this decision.

The music sounded her entrance. And Zoi felt her heart stop when she saw her love in his Royal uniform.

***

Malachite felt his heart stop. Was this really the woman who was once the young man he fell in love with? Zoicite was beyond ravishing … there were no words that described her in his eyes. And once he almost gave her up? How foolish he had been in his youth.

As she and her father took their places with him and their friends at the alter, the music ended and Malachite felt all that he and Zoi suffer through was paid off.

The ceremony was a blend of tradition and the bonding they had went through a thousand years before. Around the room, in each of the compass points (once the doors were shut) were three dragons. The four who stood by the couple that first mating, their fathers for this mating, and four of Zoicite's godchildren for the future that all wished for the couple. Cronan stood in the center holding his and Aislinn's newly birthed egg. Kegan and Grania smiled as they stood to begin the ceremony. They nodded to the last two of their fallen friends' children. Eirian and Jord as the only twins were the perfect choice for sealing the circle. And to do so with their father's sword, it was just right. As the first to cry out at birth, Jord took the lead in the call. "Three times around."

Eirian and her siblings let whatever tears came from their eyes to fall unimpeded, since free flowing dragon tears were considered one of the strongest blessing on a ceremony of any kind. "Once for the daughter …"

"… twice for the crone …" Jord could feel the same hum of power that signaled her parents' arrival. She knew that they wouldn't miss this, but it felt good to have them near again.

"… thrice for the mother …" Eirian too felt that humming in the air.

Together they smiled with more tears of pride and joy running from their eyes as they closed the circle. "… who sits on the throne."

Kegan was happy that this couple he bound together a thousand years before finally could do so openly and in such celebration as they richly deserved. "I humbly ask the attendance of the Elementals of Life!"

The humming that marked the spirits' arrival began to resonate and harmonize with that of the mystical forces that were infinitely stronger this time. It was almost as if the Elements of Life too were celebrating this what was in their acceptance a re-joining. All in that circle couldn't help but smile with light and joy filled hearts.

Jagur, his father Grothsil, and Badr all three called the northern elements to the ceremony in one voice. "Welcome, O'powers of Earth! Bless this man and woman with thy strength and wisdom. To be theirs as long as love lasts!" Their joined powers had filled a great ball of power that exploded and filled that area of the circle.

So the rest of the corners followed each in turn with one voice. Once done calling the ball of power all three of each corner exploded to add and fill in the circle.

In the East were Agate, Geothaire, and his father Padough. "Welcome, O'powers of Air! With clever fingers weave tightly the bonds of Heart, Spirit and Love between these two! Let none undo the fabric of their love!"

"Welcome, O'powers of Fire! Ignite the Passion and the Love for this blessed pair. Ever burning, yet never consuming one or the other!" Came from the South. Xia was happy for her friends. All of their dreams had come true. Beside her, her father too was crying openly with a smile on his face. Thealtoll always regretted missing that first joining of two he knew without a doubt were born to be together for the rest of their lives … perhaps beyond that as well. Leil too was happy, but also proud to this time be around to stand for her godmother and her godmother's only love.

Kersen felt his heart race with happiness. Though he didn't know them well, he could feel his godmother loved this Prince with all of her heart. Mesi too was overjoyed to finally do this ceremony in front of all. Her friends deserved to be one after all they had gone through to be together. Her father, Druktor, felt the same. He had always wished he had seen the pair wed. Now he was receiving his wish come true. "Welcome, O'powers of Water! Bless this couple with a love as deep as any ocean! May richness of body, of soul and of spirit be theirs ever more!"

In the center, as happened a thousand year before, Adamina and Arian appeared next to their son and first-born grandchild. "All our best to you for all the graces to our children you have given over the years our friends. Cronan we are pleased with your mating to Aislinn, she is the one you were born to be with for life. And this little boy – the first humgon, or gargoyle to those of the outside world, born in over a thousand years – too is meant to be, just as all of his siblings are. A blessing on all of you our children, on you our friends Zoicite and Malachite, and on all who have come here today to celebrate this joining. For every strife, may there be three harmonies."

Such blessings from dragons were a powerful magic in any terms, but from dragons that had crossed over violently as this pair had, with such love and respect too, raised that magic to a level that never had previously even been dreamed of.

In one voice, with his parents touching his child's egg, Cronan felt tears fall down his face full of pride, hope, and love. "Welcome O'powers of Spirit! Bless these two that none will part the binding they make this night! May the faith and love all hold in this circle keep their love pure and future path long together – not apart nor alone."

The pearl gray glow filled the circle and thrummed with a greater intensely than any could remember sensing ever. It was even stronger than the last time the couple mated a thousand years before!

This was where the ceremony differed from the first. Kegan smiled as he spoke up. "Who comes forth at this time to petition the Lord and Lady's attention?"

Gelban looked on his daughter with joy and pride. He didn't mourn the lost of his son, because he was gaining a new one that day. For the first time in public he proudly called out the full name of his eldest daughter. "Zoicite Genevieve Ardra Ove Quein of the Royal Lineage of the Kingdom known as Britanal and Guardian of the race known as Dragons."

Zoicite didn't bother to hide her happy tears and smile. She knew that she was loved for herself, and such was a rare feeling in her life. She could also sense her daughter paying close and happy attention to what was happening. Another difference from her and Malachite's first mating. One that she didn't regret, and she knew that her Prince … her only love … and her mate had no regrets of.

Kegan smiled as King Father Leanian stood tall and proud beside his son. This was a ceremony he could only participate in this extreme of gatherings. "As well as Prince and High Guardian General Malachite Cadel Baran Kenyon Hanari of the Mystic Triad Isles Kingdom and guardian of the True Magics of the Worlds."

Grania smiled as she spoke the traditional opening of the Mystical Triad Isles Kingdom. An unusual bonding for an unusual couple, yet it still was the true path at the same time. "Friends and families, Malachite and Zoicite have invited us here today to share in the celebration of their mating -- their marriage -- their wedding.

"We come together not to mark the start of a relationship, but to recognize a bond that already exists and has for over a millennium. This marriage is one expression of the many varieties of love. Love is one, though its expressions are infinite.

"It is fitting to speak briefly about love. We live in a world of joy and fear and search for meaning and strength in the seeming disorder. We discover the truest guideline to our quest when we realize love in all its magnitudes. Love is the eternal force of life. Love is the force that allows us to face fear and uncertainty with courage.

"But, you must 'be of love a little more careful than of anything'.

"For the giving of yourself in love is difficult, for you must learn to give of your love without total submission of yourself. Therefore, in your giving, give your joy, your sadness, your interest, your understanding, and your knowledge -- all expressions that make up life. But in this giving, remember to preserve yourself -- your integrity, your individuality. This is the challenge of love within marriage.

"Of marriage much can be spoke of, yet there is most of it and love that cannot be described or spoke of – it can only be experienced. That experience is always sweeter and best done with a partner."

Zyatore, the High Priest of the Isles, nodded in respect to the leaders of the faith he respected for its basic tenets and beliefs. That was why he accepted the vast and minute changes to the usual ceremony that bound two into one whole. He looked at his Prince and the Princess who had his heart for all time. Yes, this was a right and proper joining.

"Wanting to face this challenge together to create a new family, Prince Malachite and Princess Zoicite have come to the sights of this company, the Elements, and the Lord and Lady. For there to be three, there must first be two that join themselves as one. For that to come for these two, we have gathered here today to witness and celebrate their becoming one. But none can be given and taken like property, for life and love is not a material item. It can only be given and accepted by one to another. In that measure, I must be made assured that this is the path each before me now wishes to take."

He looked at his Prince and smiled. This part of the ceremony was only for the law, because all knew the answer to the question without a doubt. "My Prince Malachite, do you come before this gathering of friends and family to proclaim your love and devotion for Princess Zoicite of the Britanal kingdom of your own free will, and accept her same intentions?"

"I do." Malachite felt his heart race. He had dreamed of this day for centuries, and at last the one dream he doubted would ever come full circle was.

Zyatore nodded in respect and then turned to the bride. The look in her eyes told him her answer, but the words had to be said for it to be concordant with the laws of the Isles. 

"Princess Zoicite of the Kingdom of Britanal, do you come before this gathering of friends and family to proclaim your love devotion for our Prince Malachite of your own free will, and accept his same spoken intentions?"

Zoicite smiled so brilliantly. This was her sweetest dream, and it was coming true! Malachite had never looked so handsome in her memory, and Zoicite knew that this was one of the moments she was born for. "I do."

"Who are the bride's witnesses to these vows?" Zyatore looked over at the father of the bride. Yes, he was proud to be there witnessing this for his child, just as were the ladies beside him and Princess Zoicite.

"I, her father, King Gelban Lir Oran Zale Quein."

Taking a breath, Serena spoke up next. "I, her maiden of Honor, High Guardian Royal Charge, and friend, Crown Princess Serena Isis Wilona Tsukino of the Moon Kingdom and Sailor Senshi Princess Moon – leader of the Sailor Scouts."

Darien smiled at her, both imagining their own wedding. He had not heard her full name in this life, and thought it was as beautiful as his true love.

Molly hadn't stopped smiling since she woke up that morning. Her voice showed that as she spoke. "I, her first Matron of Honor, Queen Molly Rachel Stanton of the Royal House of Kaphiri, Queen of the Moon Dragon Clan, and Sailor Senshi Royal Solaris."

Neflyte still loved that his beloved was at last the Queen he had always held her as in his heart. He remembered their wedding, and hoped that his friends' lives would be as close as his was with his Queen.

Brooke smiled sweetly, happy to be here for this wedding at the least. Jedite had described the other to her, but she was enjoying this much more. "I, her second Matron of Honor, Queen Brooke Heather Elizabeth Kenyan of the Royal House of Gray Willow and Queen of the Enchanted Mountains Kingdom."

Jedite still loved hearing his wife's full title. His smile brightened at it and told his wife and all of his joy.

Zyatore nodded and turned to the groomsmen beside his Prince. "Who are the groom's witnesses to these vows?"

Leanian stood and looked at his son with such pride. This was a moment he was glad to finally had a voice in. "I, his father, King Leanian Cutter Quartzon Hanari of the Mystic Triad Isles Kingdom."

Darien was ready to give his surprise, one that only his parents and Serena were privy to. The Generals' titles weren't the only ones to change during this trip. "I, his first best man, High Guardian Charge, High King, and friend, High King Neo-Endymion Darien Somnus Eurus Shields."

Serena grinned proudly as the others gawked in shock. Like all but two of the Generals, her muffin had been enthroned the night before by his parents. She loved his full name, and could hardly wait to say it herself – the day she would bind herself to him forever.

"I, his second best man, King and High Guardian General Leader Neflyte Pution Taro Stanton of the Royal House of Kaphiri and guardian of the Stars. Neflyte stood as proud as he had been the first time he witnessed this mating.

Molly felt her heart thrill at the sound of her husband's full name and title. So too did their unborn daughter. This trip had been worth the risk of her giving birth. She not only got to see a world that was part of legend in her world, but she got to meet her in-laws, her husband's lost Clan, and the man that would be returning with them because he and her mother were still very much in love. It looked like her daughter would have a grandfather on her side that little Desiree could be very proud of.

Jedite too was proud to be standing by his friends once again in this ceremony. That he was in a different position didn't matter to him. He was just glad that at last the ceremony would be legal by their old standards. "I, his third best man, King Jedite Kay Bowden Ner Kenyan of the Royal House of Gray Willow, High Guardian General, and King of the Enchanted Mountains Kingdom."

Brooke was proud to be this man's wife, and the mother of his daughter and unborn son.

Looking at the couple, Grania smiled. She was proud of them both. This was a pairing she knew would remain strong through the years of struggle and hardship she felt were ahead of them in the past and possibly in the future off and on. She stood tall as the High Priestess that she was. "And what is the reason the two of you come to this binding?"

Malachite and Zoicite smiled as their hearts again bound them together for their lives and beyond, as their vows this time would show. "For the beauty of love."

Grania came forward and encircled the couple with red rose petals. "May this ring of true love remain with you both. A ring that circles you both and will never be broken, even when you two are not side by side." The petals lifted off of the floor, transformed into shimmering spell that infused Malachite and Zoicite's bodies and spirits.

The tokens they had exchanged a thousand years before had been returned to their owners for this moment. Grania smiled as she again joined this couple's hands. "Malachite, what have you to offer this woman for her life?"

"I present to her my love and my pledge. May I never knowingly or willingly do such a thing to harm, nor grieve, her in any form or fashion. Accept this my dagger, as a token of my trust. Like its blade, may my love be as strong. Like its metal may our love be enduring. Accept it my love, for that which is mine is yours." Malachite, hilt first, handed over that old dagger as adoringly as he had a thousand years before.

Zoicite smiled as she took that dagger in her hands. It was still as lovely as that night so long past. She had changed physically, but her heart hadn't. This was the only man she ever wanted at her side. "My Love, I accept your pledge, and your love, as I accept thy blade. Know what is in my heart, as I know what is in thine. The magic of my will, of my love, shall ever be thine." Then she sheathed it in the scabbard she had hanging from her belt for this very purpose.

Grania then turned to the bride and smiled. She could strongly feel the presence of the child whose coming had been foretold that night her parents first became mates a thousand years before. "Zoicite, and what do you offer in return for the love of this man?"

From her father, Zoicite collected that old necklace. Her eyes met with the sister she had first received it from. Tears were in the young woman's eyes and a smile of joy, love, and pride. Zoicite was so happy that her sister was happy with this part of the ceremony. "I present to him my love and this pledge. May I never knowingly or willingly do such a thing to harm, nor grieve, him in any form or fashion. Accept this, my jewel, my treasure, as a token of my trust. Just as its bright gleam, may our love glow. Like the stone that it is its essence, may our love be as enduring. Accept it my love, for that which is mine is yours."

Malachite smiled as he again clasped that necklace around his neck. Since their first mating, he had lovingly kept it packed away, and only wore it on special occasions. He couldn't wait to put it on for the birth of their unborn daughter. "My Love, I accept your pledge and your love, as I accept thy jewel. Know what is in my heart, as I know what is in thine. The magic of my will, of my love, shall ever be thine."

Kegan smiled as he looked on this couple. The fires of love had not dimmed in either. They had only allowed those flames to build and burn hotter and create a new small flame within Zoicite's body in the form of their unborn child. "May the Lord and Lady smile upon this union, and bless this couple with health and prosperity!"

Grania too saw the flames of love in this couple's eyes. She felt proud to have a hand in binding them once again. "May neither take advantage of the other. For remember what one may not provide, the other may!"

Zyatore rested his Prince's right hand above Princess Zoicite's heart and smiled. "My Prince look into Princess Zoicite's eyes, and into her heart, and repeat after me"

Malachite smiled as he did just that – his heart and love enunciated in each and every word. "I promise to give you my love, to accept and cherish your love, to help you when you need me. I promise to be your faithful husband in joy and in sorrow, and in sickness and in health."

Zyatore removed Malachite's hand (both lovers reluctant to take the loss of touch), and then laid Zoicite's hand above her love's heart. "Princess Zoicite look into Prince Malachite's eyes, and into his heart, and repeat after me."

She had to fight the urge to break into tears of joy. "I promise to give you my love, to accept and cherish your love, to help you when you need me. I promise to be your faithful wife in joy and in sorrow, and in sickness and in health."

Zyatore turned to the Prince and accepted the same rings that had bound these two in their last binding. The only difference was that they had their current wedding date inscribed on the inside of each band. "From the earliest times, the circle has been a symbol of completeness, a symbol of committed love. An unbroken and never ending circle symbolizes a commitment of love that is also never ending. As often as either of you looks at this symbol, I hope that you will be reminded of the commitment to love each other, which you have made today."

He rested the bride's ring in the palm of his Prince. "Majesty, if it your wish to be bound to Princess Zoicite, place this ring on her third finger and give her your pledge."

Malachite smiled as he slid the band once again on her slender and beautiful finger. "Zoicite, my love, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of the Lord and Lady who have brought us together."

Zoicite still thought that it was the most beautiful ring in the world. When Zyatore placed Malachite's ring in her hand, Zoicite stop dreading any troubles arising. All had gone perfect thus far. She looked at the High Priest with a smile of contentment on her lips as he continued the ceremony. "Princess Zoicite, if it is your wish to be bound to Kind Malachite, place this ring on his third finger and give him your pledge."

After setting the ring in its proper place, she held Malachite's hand while repeating those precious words. "Malachite, my only love and my Prince, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of the Lord and Lady who have brought us together."

Kegan smiled as he took up his role again. "Your pledges have now been heard by all. These rings, like your pledges and the vows you will soon make, are without beginning or end. Now placed, they represent a seal of your love and respect for each other."

Zyatore handed the chalice to Malachite. "This is your first drink together as a wedded couple. May you never thirst."

First Malachite fed the sweet mead to Zoicite, and then his turned the chalice so that he would sip from the same place she had. Zoicite felt a trill in her heart. She remembered how he had done the same at their first mating. He explained during their honeymoon that he had done it to take a part of her into himself. It looked like that was what he wanted to do once again. She fed him lovingly. And they together returned the chalice to Zyatore.

He in turn gave them the sweet wedding bread. "This is your first food together as a wedded couple. May you never hunger and may your life together always be as sweet as your wedding bread."

As they had a thousand year before, the couple fed one another – thumbs brushing lovingly across lips.

Grania smiled as the couple grasped one another's wrists in the form of an infinity symbol, left hand to left wrist and right hand to right wrist, without any prompting. In her hand was the same ribbon Serena had made a thousand years before, with the addition of the couple's current wedding's date immediately after the other. Malachite had this part practiced and memorized.

He looked into his only love's eyes and smiled. "In the Name of Lord and Lady, I Malachite take you, Zoicite to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow."

With tears sparkling in her eyes, Zoicite smiled up at her love and father of her daughters. "In the Name of the Lord and Lady, I Zoicite take you, Malachite to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow."

Kegan bound the couple as tight as he had a thousand years earlier, to Malachite and Zoicite's chuckles of joy, and rested his hand on the knot. "With this binding I tie you, heart to heart, together as one. With this knot you are joined in sacred union. May the Lord and Lady smile upon thee, and bless you with health and prosperity!"

"May neither take advantage of the other. For remember what one may not provide, the other may!" Grania grinned as she rested her hand a top her own husband's.

Zyatore then added his own hand to theirs. "May the love you have found grow in meaning and strength until its beauty is shown in a common devotion to all that is compassionate and life-giving. May the flow of your love help brighten the face of the earth. May the source of all love touch and bless us and grace our lives with color and courage."

All of the best men held Darien's sword, and their loves held a bosom low to the ground. Grania explained once again. "The sword is to sever the ties the two of you one held to your old lives. The bosom is to sweep away those ties and clear your first step on the new path that your lives are taking – on which your two separate lives become one … again."

That brought out chuckles from one and all. Kegan smiled as he continued on. "Leaping over these will be your first act of working together as a wedded couple. Do so with all the blessing, best wishes, and support of those who have witnessed this rite and will support you both in the years to come."

Feeling just as they had a thousand years earlier, Malachite and Zoicite leapt over the sword and bosom together. It was easy to remove the sword, which Darien re-sheathed immediately. But, with Zoicite's long train, Grania had to help mover the bosom. Well, what wedding ever went off without at least one little stepping stone to overcome?

"This is a moment of celebration. Let it also be a moment of dedication. The world does a good job of reminding us of how fragile we are. Individuals are fragile; relationships are fragile, too. Every marriage needs the love, nurture and support of a network of friends and family. On this wedding day I ask you not only to be friends of Prince Malachite or Princess Zoicite but friends of Prince Malachite and Princess Zoicite together, friends of the relationship." Zyatore grinned to those gathered for the wedding.

Kegan undid the ribbon, and he and Zyatore held it above their heads. Kegan smiled as he called out, "I present to all of you Zoicite and Malachite future rulers of Britanal and the Mystic Triad Isles, guardians of the dragon race and the true magic of the worlds, and High Guardian Generals of High King Neo-Endymion of Earth and his future bride, Crown Princess Serena of the Moon Kingdom."

Everyone cheered and applauded. Malachite and Zoicite kiss deeply and happily. It was completely legal and bound – they were not only mates, but husband and wife as well!

Once the cheers calmed, the group followed the happy couple to the throne room. Zyatore continued the ceremonies. On two of the three thrones were Malachite's parents, both smiling. Glorianna stood between her parents before her grandparents who had brought her up. Zoicite's train was, thankfully, removable. It and the veil were removed before the trio went into the room.

Zyatore turned to the King and Queen. "May it please Your Majesties, His Royal Highness, Prince Malachite Cadel Baran Kenyon, having won by honorable

combat the right to succeed to the Throne, and having chosen Her Royal Highness, Princess Zoicite Genevieve Ardra Ove Quein of the Royal Lineage of the Kingdom known as Britanal and Guardian of the race known as Dragons, as his Queen of Ardor and Splendor, here presents himself and his lady to claim of Your Majesties' Hands the Crowns and Thrones which are rightfully theirs."

King Leanian wore a very stern face as he spoke, but his eyes showed the pride that was in his heart this day. "Let their Royal Highnesses approach the thrones."

He fought to keep his mask on when Malachite and Zoicite walked up to the throne with their heads held up high. "Prince Malachite Cadel Baran Kenyon Hanari, you have been given victory over the field for the honor of your lady, my Queen and I welcome you and your lady as our successor to the Crown and Throne of the Mystic Triad Isles. Will you swear fealty to this same Kingdom and its various inhabitants?"

Malachite wore a similar mask that was betrayed by the tears and joy glittering in his eyes. "I will."

Queen Devona too wore a mask of regality that wouldn't firm. She loved her son desperately and was happy that at last his dreams had come true. "Princess Zoicite Genevieve Ardra Ove Quein, you have inspired and aided your champion to victory over the field, my King and I welcome you and my son to the Crown and Throne of the Mystic Triad Isles. Will you swear fealty to this same Kingdom and its various inhabitants?"

"I will." Somehow Zoicite had been able to control her voice.

Both Leanian and Devona removed their Robes of State and handed them to Zyatore. Leanian looked at his old friend. "Take these Robes of State, and hold them in trust for Our Successors."

Zyatore bowed slightly, and set the robes to the side. He turned back with the Great Sword of the Isles, and settled it on the palms of his King. Malachite set his hand on top of the sword. Queen Devona placed her palm up hands under the sword. Zoicite placed her palm up hands on top of Devona's. Both she (Zoicite) and Malachite had memorized the Oath, and said it in unison.

"Here do I swear by mouth and hands fealty and protection to the Kingdom and Peoples of the Mystic Triad Isles, to uphold the Laws of the Kingdom to speak and to be silent, to do and to let be to strike, and to spare to punish and to reward in such matters as concern the Kingdom in need or in plenty in peace or in war in living or in dying until I depart from my Throne or death take me or the world end. So say I."

Leanian returned the Great Sword to Zyatore. Malachite and Zoicite knelt before the King and Queen. Leanian and Devona removed their crowns at the same time. Leanian held his over Malachite's head, while Devona held hers in front of herself with both hands. Zyatore nodded, and the Honor Guard placed the Robes of State on Malachite and Zoicite.

Malachite's were dark grays, greens, and browns. Zoicite's were ivory, white, and silver. Both shared the colors gold, red, and blue and were made from very old element spun. Malachite's was heavier and more ornate than Zoicite's, but both were lavish in design and pattern. The only way to achieve such in element spun was to have the dragons working on it come together to create the fabric from their own element blending in with those of the others.

Leanian smiled for the first time. This was a duty he had feared he would never be able to perform. "Now I, Leanian Cadel Ryan Tearlach, crown you, Prince Malachite Cadel Baran Kenyon, King of the Mystic Triad Isles Kingdom and name you the High Guardian of the magics of this world." He set the crown on his son's head.

Over the throne at that moment, King Malachite's symbol as a Royal High Guardian General replaced his father's. Zyatore called out with great pride, "long live the King!" That call was echoed by those in the room and all about the kingdoms who were witnessing the ritual by magic.

Now King Malachite stood with pride and a smile on his face as he and his father embraced. Devona handed her crown over to her son and embraced him before moving to her husband's side. Malachite couldn't help but smile on his wife, as he stood there and held the crown over her golden head. This was a ceremony he had always dreamed of performing with her. "Now I, Malachite Cadel Baran Kenyon, King of the Mystic Triad Isles Kingdom, crown you, Zoicite Genevieve Ardra Ove, Queen of the Mystic Triad Isles Kingdom, High Guardian of the magics of this world entire at my side, and offer my hand and throne in aid of your guardianship of the realm and race known as Dragons."

He set the crown on his wife's head, and as with him, Zoicite's symbol as a Royal High Guardian General replaced Devona's. Zoicite stood with tears in her eyes full of love and joy. "I accept you at my side in my guardianship, and vow to aid you in any and all ways in yours."

Zyatore smiled as he called out, "long live the Queen!" Again all echoed his call.

Leanian and Devona stepped down from the thrones. Then Malachite took his parents' former places before those thrones and turned to face those who were there in that room before finally sitting down. Once their attendants had gathered behind the former King and Queen, Leanian and Devona bowed and curtsied respectfully to the new King and Queen.

Now King Malachite could see that his father was relieved to have finally giving this duty over to his son. He liked allowing his father to rest in peace. "You have served Our Kingdom well. You have Our leave to depart."

Leanian smiled with relief. "Thank you our King and son." Then he and Devona returned to beyond the veil. Zyatore agreed to remain as the Vesper Principal Herald through Malachite and Zoicite's reign.

The Cupbearer came forward with two cups and bowed before Malachite and Zoicite. "Your Majesties, accept these cups in token of the hopes of your Kingdom."

Zoicite could hardly believe that all of this was happening! She smiled a true smile as she spoke while accepting her cup at the same time as her new husband. "My lord, We thank you."

After taking a drink they returned the cups to the Cupbearer, who again bowed and left the scene discreetly. The attendants Malachite and Zoicite chose in those two days prior to their wedding came forward and gave their reverence before taking up their assigned places.

Zyatore turned to his new King and Queen. "Your Majesty, may those present be seated?"

With a wave of his hand, Malachite created chairs for all. Then he and Zoicite both spoke. "Yes."

"You have Their Majesties' leave to be seated." Zyatore called to the rest of the room.

The Earl Marshal, Grand Steward, Vesper Principal Herald came forward, each with the symbols of their offices. First was the Earl Marshal, Catrin. "Your Majesty, I deliver into Your Hands the Great Sword of the Isles, symbol of Your power of arms in this Kingdom."

Malachite looked over the sword. This was the same sword his father used to inspire the Isles to defeat many enemies. It was also the sword that killed his beloved father when he himself was too young to remember the man clearly. In those two days he had made up for those lost years. With a sad smile on his face, Malachite returned the sword to Catrin.

"We thank you my Lady, and We return it to your keeping, to hold until such time as We shall require it."

Catrin returned to her position.

Next was the Grand Steward, Donel. "Your Majesty, I deliver into Your Hands the Great Book of Law of the Kingdom, symbol of Your power of justice and law over the Kingdom."

Malachite inspected the old and highly wrought book. It was smaller than many would expect, but that was how simple the laws of the land were in his homeland. He returned it to Donel. "We thank you, my Lord, and We return it to your keeping, and charge you to uphold Our Laws, and to administer them as We shall require."

The Grand Steward returned to his position. Finally was the Vesper Principal Herald, Zyatore. "Your Majesty, I deliver into Your Hands the Great Seal of the Kingdom, symbol of the word of the Crown."

Malachite inspected the seal and smiled. It was this seal that certified his birth as a Prince rather than a bastard as his uncle once tried to say. He returned it to Zyatore. "We thank you, my Lord, and We return it to your keeping, and We charge you to keep it safe, and to use it as We shall require."

All three officers left, but Zyatore returned to his position as the court herald.

Malachite and Zoicite went through the fealty ceremonies of all the various heraldries in the three Isles and the Fairy Kingdom. That was the same ceremony again and again – only the names and minor kingdom ever changed. It was a dull necessity of becoming the ruler of a Kingdom. Then they went through the fealty ceremony for the Great Officers of State, Barons and Baronesses, Royal Peers (Dukes, Duchesses, Counts, Countesses, Viscounts and Viscountesses), and Knights. The youmas who had already been serving Zoicite in that capacity were named Queen's guard. Zoicite's Eldest brother was named Queen's Champion to her joy. Finally it was time to name their eldest daughter the Crown Princess.

During all of the fealty ceremonies, Glorianna had been taken out of the court to be dressed and readied. The youmas her parents and uncles all assigned her that were also named her Honor Guard watched over her as she prepared and her banner was finished. Finally the young Princess was ready.

Receiving the signal of such, Zyatore began the process. "May it please Your Majesties, Princess Glorianna Millicent Amorica Jasmine, having by her faithfulness, love, and respect for Your Majesties, make bold to approach You, that she may receive of You the titles that she asks for."

Malachite had been waiting for this. "Let Our Daughter approach the thrones."

First were the banner bearers for his daughter. Once they made it to the thrones and bowed to Royal couple, they face inward towards one another. And then Glorianna came forward and knelt before the thrones.

Malachite was so proud of his little girl. He and Zoicite both stood and together created a silver Coronet and held it over their child's head.

Zoicite smiled on her precious first child. "Long ago the Lord and Lady gave you to my King and I. You were taken from us not many years afterwards. Now we return home to find that again you were returned to Us. We accepted you as our eldest daughter, and now do so declare the same before one and all."

Malachite smiled on his first little baby. "Therefore We name you, Glorianna Millicent Amorica Jasmine Hanari, Crown Princess and acknowledge you as Our heir to the Crowns and Thrones of the Mystic Triad Isles Kingdom and name you a High Guardian of the magics of this world and the realm and race known as Dragons." They set the coronet onto her head.

Glorianna stood and took both of her parents offered hands. Zyatore called out proudly, "for Glorianna Millicent Amorica Jasmine Hanari, Crown Princess of the Mystic Triad Isles Kingdom, Hip, hip!" Those gathered all cheered, and in time Zyatore continued. "The solemn ceremony of Coronation is ended. All hail Malachite Cadel Baran Kenyon Hanari and Zoicite Genevieve Ardra Ove Hanari and Glorianna Millicent Amorica Jasmine Hanari, King and Queen and Crown Princess of the Mystic Triad Isles Kingdom."

Everyone cheered and the three of them led all of their Royal guests out of the room. A long day of pomp and circumstance, but all were grateful that it had come about. The Isles all held festivals, and the merriment was not finished.

The next day it was Mina's turn to get married! She didn't want to wait, and Bryan would give her anything he could. Malachite and Zoicite themselves took care of the arrangements, as a thank you for the bride's intercessions and friendship. And Zyatore officiated the ceremony.

It was a small wedding. Only the group that came to the Isles and their families, even Devona and Leanian returned for it.

Zyatore began the wedding. "Friends we gather here to give our blessing to a bond that growing love and respect has created between this man and this woman. They meet here publicly to affirm their promise and covenant to be husband and wife to each other.

"The feeling of unity between Bryan Michael Dale Young and Mina Katherine Elizabeth Jordan, which we here recognize and honor, is an emotion that this couple created long ago out of self-searching and joyful sharing. Their allegiance to each other has grown slowly. So the feelings to which they witness now both unite and liberate them. They base these feelings on love, on mutual respect and acceptance. They base them on the reasonableness of an open mind, and upon the strong belief that the wisdom and insights of a man and woman, which might falter separately, can endure and deepen together.

"The marriage that Bryan and Mina meet here to pledge is also an ever continuing process, never a finished action. Their relationship will grow deeper through sensitive, humble self-knowledge and through honest opinions and emotions freely communicated. The children of this man and woman will one day both enrich and complicate their lives.

"So it is our hope for you both that in all areas of your life together you will weave a durable fabric of mutual consolation and support and of help in time of trouble. May each of you achieve the ability to give of yourselves freely so that you will each live better lives and become greater persons."

Mina could hardly believe that this hot man was once her only love, Bryna. She thought back to her last night with that breathtaking woman. How they, like their Guardian General friends Malachite and Zoicite, wished that they had been born differently so that they could wed. But the next night both died in the attack on the moon Kingdom. Now they had their heart's deepest wish. Zyatore's voice brought Mina out of her memories.

"Mina, will you have this man to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"

She looked at her Bryan with the brightest smile on her face ever. "I will."

Bryan too wore a smile that made a sunny noon look like the darkest night. Zyatore continued on. "Bryan, will you have this woman to be your wife; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"

He took a breath, and then Bryan's deep voice reverberated in Mina's ears. "I will."

Looking at those gathered with a smile on his face, Zyatore asked them all. "Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?"

In one voice everyone called out. "We will."

Zyatore simply nodded. He knew this couple had their vows memorized. Mina smiled at her only love. "I, Mina, take you, Bryan, to be my husband; to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish always."

"Bryan, will you have Mina to be your wife, to live together in creating an abiding marriage? Will you love and honor, comfort and cherish her in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, from this day forward?" Zyatore asked, even if he knew he didn't have to.

Bryan smiled. "I will."

After a beat Bryan gave Mina his vow. "I, Bryan, take you, Mina, to be my wife; to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish always."

"Mina, will you have Bryan to be your husband, to live together in creating an abiding marriage? Will you love and honor, comfort and cherish him in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, from this day forward?"

Mina sighed in her peace. "I will."

Everyone chuckled softly at that, but Mina didn't notice that. All that was in her focus was her love.

Zyatore smiled as he took the rings from his King. "The rings you give and receive this day are the symbols of the endless love into which you enter as husband and wife. Such a love has no beginning and no ending, no giver and no receiver. You are each the beginning and the ending, each the giver and the receiver."

Bride and groom slid their ring on one another's hand and repeated the same promise. "I give this ring in remembrance of this hour, a symbol of love that is complete, beautiful, and endless."

Zyatore smiled as he went on by blessing the couple before him. "Bryan and Mina, as a collection of words, this ceremony would count for little, were it not for the love and commitment that you here pledge to each other. By virtue of being human, there is distance between you, which is both infinite and infinitesimal, simultaneously. Today you have joined in a covenant bridging that distance. Always remember that in reaching across any distance you two choices face you: to circle the globe in one direction or to take one step in the other. May you ever seek the shorter distance, for love is as difficult--and as simple--as that."

And then he made to declaration all wanted to hear. "Before this gathering Bryan and Mina have promised each other their love and have given each other rings to wear as a sign of their deep commitment. Therefore I declare that they are husband and wife.

"May these two find happiness in their union. May they live faithfully together, performing the vow and covenant they have made between them; and may they ever remain in sympathy and understanding: that their years may be rich in the joys of life, and their days good, and long upon the earth. Bryan, you may now kiss your bride."

The couple chuckled and grinned at that. Bryan put to words what they both were thinking. "See, told you we would be able to wait for our cue line."

Everyone laughed heartily as the hotly blushing bride and groom kissed deeply.

As the sun set a day later, all of the Isles were gathered in the Gardens of Faith on Tintage the eve of the last day of the group's visit. The fireflies lit the place with a romantic glow. The roses were opened and fragranced with such love by the floral fairies.

The circle had already been consecrated and blessed. As Kateri and Dallan happily moved down the isle from their castle into the circle, a group of fireflies marked the edge of the circle. Neflyte and Molly stood in the North, for the East was Mina and Bryan, to the South was Jedite and Brooke, and for the West was Malachite and Zoicite.

King Cavell smiled on his beloved daughter. He stood opposite the Priestess just on the other side of the couple. Kateri shimmered with such love and devotion towards this young man, Cavell doubt that she would have faked it so convincingly with Aswad.

The Priestess raised her hands above her head with a sweet smile on her face. "In this sacred circle of light, we gather in celebration of a couple joined by heart in perfect love and perfect trust. Tonight they come to bind one to the other for their lives, so long as love shall last. O Goddess of divine love, I ask thee to bless this couple, their love, and their binding so long as they live in love together. May they each enjoy a healthy life filled with joy, love, stability, and fertility."

Joining their hands, Kateri and Dallan moved to the North. Molly and Neflyte spoke in unison as the couple before them each rested their right hand on the plate of soil. "Blessed be by the ancient and mystical element of Earth."

The couple bowed only barely to the Northern callers. They then moved to the East. Mina rang the bell while Bryan smudged the couple to be married, while they both said the words of magic. "Blessed be by the ancient and mystical element of air."

In the South, Jedite and Brooke handed gave each of the couple a white candle. The love in their hearts lit the candles with a blazing light. Kateri and Dallan both lit the thick white unity pillar candle in the center of the pedestal. Once the separate candles were extinguished – ending the couple's own individual paths into the one path of marriage – Jedite and Brooke added their magic as well. "Blessed be by the ancient and mystical element of fire."

West was next. Malachite and Zoicite stood tall and proud to have been asked to cast this point in the opening spell. Zoicite sprinkled them with water from the chalice that was held by Malachite. They smiled as they said the words together. "Blessed be by the ancient and mystical element of water."

The happy couple returned to Neflyte and Molly. All eight callers spoke out in one voice and one accord. "Blessings from the ancient and mystical elements!"

The couple returned to the spot they began.

The Priestess smiled. "Who gives blessing to this ritual to bind these two lovers by our laws?"

"I, King Cavell, of the Isle Kingdoms Fairies."

Because of what happened in that Dallan had fought so hard, and Kateri had proclaimed her love and devotion to him – the questions of if the couple had come to the ceremony of their own free wills was disregarded. The Priestess anointed each of the lovers with rose oil. Then, holding a shimmering crystal over them, she spoke loud and clear. "Goddess of love, in all of her glory, bless you both with togetherness, honesty, and spiritual growth for as long as you both live. The rite of marriage is the same as the sacred union of the Goddess and God, man and woman aspects of the blessed spirit."

By magic the Priestess levitated the rings and dipped them into the salted water. Then she raised them and held them up before each lover. "Negative vibrations, impurities, and hindrances be cast forth from these bands henceforth. Let only all that is positive, loving, and good enter in these circles of gold. In the divine name of the Goddess and God, so mote it be."

Dallan took his love's ring and slid it on her finger as he said his vows so that all could hear him clearly. "In love and trust I bind myself to thee, Kateri. Not only for this life alone, but for so long as love binds our hearts and spirits. I will never seek another to take your place at my side until you tell me that I am freed of this pledge and vow. For that is a place that belongs to you alone. So mote it be."

Kateri felt her fight to hold back her joy filled tears at bay was slowly being lost with each word and as she slid his ring on his finger. "In love and trust I bind myself to thee, Dallan. So long as love does bind us by heart and spirit. None will stand in your place at my side, for it belongs to you alone my love. I am yours so long as you will have me. So mote it be."

As she had the rings, the Priestess dipped the cord into the saltwater and then levitated it between the couple. "Join your hands, left to left and right to right."

They did with the most peaceful smiles on their faces. The Priestess had no doubt of the love between this couple. She bound them and knotted the cord tight. "By this cord and your vows you both are so bound by the limits each of you have set. So mote it be."

After unknotting the cord, the Priestess ended the ceremony by surrounding the pair with pure white light and saying. "By the power of the Goddess and her Horned Consort, I pronounce thee husband and wife, by the terms each has set before the other – may ye both shall live together in love. So mote it be."

Happily, Kateri and Dallan kissed deeply. His family walked up to welcome its newest member. His little brother, Shamir. Shamir's wife, Procne and her sisters Bryony, Aveline, and Katina.

What none knew was that Aswad had escaped! And he had a wedding gift for this little family. "So you steal the one that should have been mine!"

All gasped in fear as they turned to see the uninvited guest. Dallan hid Kateri with his body. Shamir stood in front of him. Before Shamir was his stubborn wife Procne. Before them were her sisters and Katina's fiancé, Rhys.

Unfortunately, that didn't impress Aswad. "How pathetic! Time to show you who owns you girl, and why none will stop me from taking what is mine."

He sent out a blast of energy he created by his hate. It hit all who stood to protect Kateri instantly … including her beloved husband. "Dallan! NO!"

She collapsed by his body and began to mourn for him, but Aswad yanked he into a standing position before the Priestess. "She is a free woman now, and there are none stupid enough to contest me for this juvenile's hand. Marry us."

"No, the terms she set before herself were so long as her husband wanted her at his side. Dallan cannot say either way. I will marry her to no other until such time he has his say." The Priestess was firm on that.

"Release my daughter, traitor!" King Cavell growled.

Aswad smirked. "I will have her. I'll find you precious Dallan, and turn him against you for another. But, for now to teach you who is your owner. A curse I set on you. For every minute you remain on these Isles without Dallan in your sights you will deteriorate ten thousand fold. Gone is your immortality in this Kingdom!"

"I curse you as well, Aswad – for taking away those I love and my home! Become the creature of your darkest and my horrid nightmares! NOW!" With a blast of power, Aswad began to change. He shrieked in agony. "I'll have you yet! This throne will be mine!"

And with that he vanished!

Kateri collapsed into her father's arms. He looked up at Malachite with such a look of pain. Before Cavell could ask, Malachite called out for his cousin Gem and turned his throne over to her as his delegate under the title of Lady of the Isles once again. Then the group took Kateri with them to the modern world.

Kat wept over the lost of her husband, his family, her family, her home, and her life. She had no idea how important this was.

By the time they made it back to the dock, only an hour had passed. Kat went back to her apartment with the youma guards the Generals assigned to her. Mina went home to pack and move in two doors down from Serena! Artemis just went home with Luna so he could dote on his love and unborn son. Serena and Darien went out for the day. The others split up for their homes and lives.

When Neflyte, Molly and their household got to the porch Malachite sent to Neflyte that the spell he had put on Molly would slowly wear off. Neflyte nodded in acceptance. All were silent as Molly was in her husband's arms sleeping. The newest couple took up their leader's offer of his and Molly's private island for a long honeymoon and left an hour later.

None were truly happy, because such a happy time had to be so utterly ruined. The group didn't know that there was a special gift coming early the next day.

As I said before – forgive how long this took. Also, any mistakes or running on at the end forgive. I'm finishing this at 5:05 in the morning! Ugh! Hope you all like the extended chapter. So what do you think will happen in the next chapter? I promise you will all love it. Was I obvious enough who the fairies are that are missing now – dead/cursed? Any guesses on who is who?