So, the big day for Rick and Tinsel Wheeler has finally arrived!
Lap 9
At the finish line of the Mute City circuit, Burt proudly stood under a hanging arc filled with numerous, fresh cherry pedals. There were several rows of cerulean, foldable chairs provided for each of the ushers and bridesmaids. The wedding rings glistened in a mannequin hand straight from the jewelry outlet Rick was all too familiar with along with a triple-layered cup and a special candle, and the delicate 3-layered cake was towering at the left side of the track. Everyone was arranged by their own groups, such as Stody along with their growing family, then Lucy and Leon, Gomar and Shioh, Mr. EAD, Kate and Gordon, the Arrows, the Duelists, and finally to avoid trouble the space bandits were in the rear.
Regardless of their positions, everyone, but the groom, marriage officiant, the bride and her escort, came in pairs then seated after Burt and Rick who was awaiting his beloved in an anxious manner. They were each able to hear Canon in D being played by Thunderbolt in conjunction with the female pop singer's band; although they performed the said number subtly while the acoustic guitars replaced electric ones.
Of course, "Here Comes the Bride" had to be played on keyboard instead of an organ since it was a last resort. By the time the atmosphere shifted as everybody faced Tinsel and Dr. Stewart walking down the aisle, Rick felt a lot more at ease. He glued his eyes onto the duo as they slowly treaded toward the finish line, then Stewart seated next to Jody. Tinsel climbed up the small staircase and met her soon-to-be-husband. They reached hands and clutched them gently as they faced Burt who soon announced moments after the number subsided.
He had to wear a small mike to have his voice be amplified upon the airy course.
"Dearly beloved. We are gathered here today to witness Rick Wheeler and Tinsel Steelus in their holy matrimony. To have and to hold, through better or worse, through sickness and in health, and through rich or poor.
"We have joined here today to share an important moment. Through their time together, they have seen their love and understanding of each other grow and blossom and now they have decided to live out the rest of their lives as one.
"If anyone were to speak why they should never be wed, speak now, or forever hold your peace."
There was silence around, although Dai Goroh was desperately raising his hand and murmuring. But, his devoted father held it down, much to his irritation. There were some small giggles amongst the gathering. After a few passing moments, Burt went on.
"And now, they shall read from their wedding vows." There were two folded sheets of rice paper, and Rick took his on the center pedestal which was co-written by his best man.
The savior of the galaxy then cleared his throat and looked at Tinsel in her eyes.
"I, Rick Wheeler, take you, Tinsel Steelus; my kindred friend, my guiding light, my devoted love and life partner from this day forward. In the presence of our family and friends, I shall give you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner thru the good times and the bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to be the complete opposite of your estranged father and your ex-stepmom, and prohibit any infidelity, abuse, and trauma upon you, and to personally heal your deep physical and spiritual wounds you had endured. I shall always love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals and desires, to honor and to respect you dearly, to laugh with you and to cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live."
The F-Zero veteran took the right folded sheet of paper from the pedestal, and faced the new Capt. Falcon as she said her vows co-written by the maid of honor. She smiled, trying to hold back her tears of happiness. She read her vows in a tight throat which later lessened:
"I, Tinsel Steelus, take you, Rick Wheeler, as my strong life partner and my one and only true love. With all my heart and soul, in which I had offered to you, I will treasure our bond and love you each day more so than with any other man. I shall be your guide both living and dead, as Haruka is to you. I will ease your flames, as you had thawed my icy heart; we shall be as inseparable opposites like the sacred Suzaku was to the Genbu. You had changed my perception on love forever, and for that, I shall trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, and to hold you dearly through good times and bad, regardless of what our past and future may hold. I give you my hand, my heart, my soul and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live."
"Those are some very heartfelt vows." Burt commented. "And now, we shall light the unity candle. Let us all bow our heads in silence as we ring the gong and beat the taiko." Samurai Goroh and Lisa Brilliant did just that.
Keeping with Japanese tradition, Rick offered to use a sake-sipping ceremony as well. They lowered their heads, then after awhile, using three flat sake cups stacked atop one another, the bride and groom took three sips each from the cups. Rick went first, sipped one, offered it to Tinsel and she did the same. The process repeated after she put the cup back with the middle and the lowest. The taste was bitter and it did burn their throats, but according to Rick's mentor, Goroh, it was to purify them from inside, and symbolize bitter trials.
When the track silenced again, Burt faced the groom with great admiration, "Rick Wheeler..? Do you wish for Tinsel Steelus to be your lawful wedded wife?"
He simply nodded with a smile, "I do, Burt." He faced Tinsel. Then she turned toward the officiant.
"Tinsel Steelus..? Do you wish for Rick Wheeler to be your lawful wedded husband?"
She faced him with sparkling eyes, "Yes, I do, Burt."
"The rings, please."
With that cue, Phoenix Levin immediately stood up and walked quickly to the placid hand and stood in front as he took off the rings. He then gazed at the tall groom, and handed his over.
"With this ring, as a token of my love and affection, I thee wed." Burt said.
Rick repeated the same words, then he slid it onto Tinsel's ring finger in her right hand.
Burt said the line once more after Phoenix presented the second band. "With this ring, as a token of my love and affection, I thee wed."
Tinsel repeated the same as she gazed into Rick's shiny eyes then looked down as she slid it onto his right ring digit.
"By the power vested in me and by the State of Mute City formerly known as New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife." He nodded as he grinned wider, "You may kiss the bride."
The pair then looked deeply into their eyes. After a pregnant pause, they slowly leaned in, closed their eyes, and kissed passionately. Everyone was ecstatic as they applauded for the completion of their union as Rick and Tinsel Steelus Wheeler, and Jack, Phoenix, and Luna cheered!
The reception carried on at the other side of the Mute City track, specifically just before the Jump Plate which was behind a massive, wooden stage. The crews of both Thunderbolt and Kate Alen's group had installed that large said piece as well as their usual equipment counting their microphones, machines and instruments, two huge speakers, and the streams of lights tied in tall rods overlooking the guardrails. Burt had actually assisted to install the numerous tables covered in white satin along with the chairs, for each table were assigned to certain individuals. He also helped Jody and Stewart with the upcoming setup and the fancy ware and flutes; heck some of the tableware was donated from his own diner. And, of course, the closest arrangement to the stage was for the bride and groom themselves, followed by the best man along with the maid of honor and Phoenix, then Stody taking the second row. After that were all the ushers and bridesmaids in reversed alphabetical order leading up to the food assembly.
Joey was the first to notice as he followed the mouth-watering scents from the wedding display. "Hold on, I smell something." Like a dog, he was fixated on them. "Getting warmer..? Warmer? Whoo! It's a buffet." He was indeed the first to check out the scrumptious selections. And everyone followed suit before they headed to their tables. One buffet suited the meals while a smaller one suited the desserts; the cakes had been omitted from the requests to cut costs and there was always the large wedding cake wheeled next to it.
Everyone ate and socialized. The food was amazing, even the wedding cake with all that icing. Of course, they all witnessed Tinsel and Rick cutting the cake, and also remove a large piece of chocolate.
As she was finally full, Tinsel actually offered to have a private chat with Samurai Goroh, much to Rick's amazement. He looked over at the conversation with just the two of them. Since Goroh is Rick's new sensei, she told him of her concerns involving the opposite sex, that every man has their vulnerabilities even when they can't resist their charm and become infatuated; she hoped that Rick would have some kind of protection to prevent him from going astray.
"That's why I persuaded him to stay tough, kiddo. I noticed he was growing soft once he got involved with you." Tinsel cringed, but the legendary warrior raised a finger. "I do not want him to be the same way once he lost Haruka 150 years ago; he must stay vigilante at all costs, especially if he wants to be like the late Capt. Falcon."
She hesitated but he went on, "You are the driving force of his life now, and he has immense honor and devotion to you. I understand your deep pangs, and he must stay strong. As long as he has you, as this ceremony proves, he shall NEVER have that same fate as your damned dad did."
That actually put Tinsel at ease; whoever thought that Goroh was this devoted, and compassionate, about their honor and safety. Even more shocking was the friendship Clank, Alias, and even Digi-Boy had as they immersed themselves with Dai Goroh like old schoolmates.
Before she had a chance to look up, Rick came over. She raised her hands and assured him they were just having a personal chat on how his heart must not be tainted by anyone. Rick remembered it was the same warning Haruka gave him when he saw her in the heavens as he was under anesthesia while his mind was being restored from Dark Million.
"Of course...there is always meditation." Goroh said. The couple then remembered the taiko he got. Though it had been tough for Tinsel to handle, as she often falls asleep soon afterwards, or sometimes has a minor delirium. Heck, there was also a brief memory entering her mind when Jack suffered as well as Lisa tempted him in order to steal the Astro Robin; which was quite ironic since it was Tinsel's first race after her practice runs.
Rick then invited her to their table, as it was finally time for the festivities; he's certain that Haruka's new ring would be the guiding light he needs, that as long as he has that and Tinsel, nothing would ever stop him from losing his heart, cause he knows that Tinsel and Haruka would always be with him and he'd never want another.
Kate announced the first dance of the newlyweds featuring a song by Thunderbolt; Tinsel felt sour to pick "Amazed" as it had a bad association to her old man, and the way he sang the wrong keys during the chorus was like nails on a chalkboard. Being that Rick wanted to be the opposite and never open old wounds, his choice was somewhat different. Since they both loved racing, were proud on who they were, they made a name for themselves, and because it was the main theme from one of Rick's birthday flicks in 2577 chosen by Tinsel, "The Last American Hero," they unanimously picked "I Got a Name."
They actually rehearsed some choreography for the song:
Rick and Tinsel wrapped each other closely as they slowly side-stepped one side then the other in time with the song. By the time the second verse sounded, as the number grew more tense, they parted yet they still held hands. With outstretched arms they performed a few twirls as they elongated, even when they each raised one to make their partner spin. Sometimes they would bring each other close and held their hands tightly while they moved immensely, especially during the instrumental break.
"And I'm gonna go there free!" Rick and Tinsel faced the audience as they stretched out their arms.
They kept on elongating their arms and spun with one another while they reached the rest of the song, even making Tinsel's dress swirl beneath her like an open fan. And finally when the chorus finished, the couple spun twice simultaneously arm in arm, then stopped as they gazed into each other, and kissed deeply. The guests applauded for their successful first dance!
Tinsel then sang a number on stage with Jack's band, Thunderbolt, as well as with the Super Piranha pilot and her crew, the duet "Ebony and Ivory," upon the songstress' request. Kate then performed her personal song, "Betcha By Golly Wow" which was devoted to EAD in conjunction with the new couple. Jack, the best man himself, also did one of his best tunes from way back, "Won't Back Down." Rick actually requested "I Just Called to Say I Love You," remembering the time when Tinsel was worried during one of his bounty-hunting missions and then played this song for assurance, which warmed her heart so much. He even chose "The Warmth of the Sun" since it was related to his birth season, summer, as well as having a man's comfort warm her so much; after all, he does represent the Suzaku resembling the Oriental god, the Vermillion Bird. They also chose "You are the Girl" symbolizing how Rick feels to Tinsel, as well as "Tonight She Comes." And finally, there was Kate's usual number, "If Love Ruled the Universe."
You and I just live from day to day
We never think that there could be another way
Speeding through space
Everyone will see
Just how happy
The two of us could be
If love ruled the universe
A million lightyears couldn't keep us apart
If love ruled the universe
Look in your heart and you'll see
That's where I'll be
For the "big finish" of the reception, Tinsel surprised the crowds as she stepped onto the stage one last time; she chose this song personally as she was discussing with Kate, and she sang her heart out during the finale performing an old classic named "Someone Saved My Life Tonight." This act alone described how Haruka, Burt and Rick respectively rescued her in her times of great sorrow, pointing out the formers' names, and Rick nicknamed "Shining Star" instead of Sugar Bear during the chorus, and literally saying goodbye to those who caused her misery such as her old man, the succubus as she called Sallie and Magdalene numerous times, as well as other mistresses he found. Heck at the end of the bridge she cried, "So save your breath. The fires of Hell you play alone!" Then on the last chorus, she referred to her estranged father she ran away from as she sang, "You should be at the rope and tied!" for all the turmoil he caused as well as the people he associated with, plus how powerful she was over her, including financially.
The crowd went wild and Rick couldn't possibly be more impressed! Soon enough, he and Tinsel were on their way to the Port Town cruise!
A/N: The sake-sipping ceremony's popularly called san-san-kudo (san means "three," ku means "nine," and do means "to deliver.") This ritual dates back to a time when sharing sake created a formal bond as strongly as a handshake did in Victorian times. Using three flat sake cups stacked atop one another, the bride and groom take three sips each from the cups. Then their parents also take sips (for a total of nine sips), cementing the bond between the families. However, since Rick and Tinsel no longer had any, it was just for them.
Much like how Tinsel feels that certain songs are negative triggers, even I can relate: such songs that have bad associations to me include "Cherish" by The Association, "Amazed" from Lonestar, "Unchained Melody" from the Righteous Brothers (not counting the movie, Ghost), "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis (unless you refer to the silly UB40 version), "Runaround Sue" by Dion (again like Amazed, my old man sings the melodies poorly), "Love Me Tender" also by Elvis, or "Nights in White Satin" by Moody Blues (it's an ok song, I just have bad associations w/ it such as remembering Ginger's breakdown over Sam's gang beating up Lester, or just being bound to someone thru marriage). "Love is the Gift" by Shanice Wilson from The Bouncer soundtrack simply refers to someone who has passed yet that person feels he/she's still present at that one moment; I find "Forevermore" (the Japanese version) better by comparison, just saying.
I would visualize the Canon in D to be quite similar to the Christmas song by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, "Christmas Canon," but without the vocals interfering.
And also, "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" by Elton John I can relate to, as I wish someone WOULD save mine; like avoiding an upcoming move/relationship that seems inevitable and rather stand up for yourself and break the shackles to live the life I would desire; sometimes that song does give me a feeling of aspiration, instead of being bound mentally/financially forever.
Besides, from what I've been thru, I'd rather have someone that's the complete opposite of someone so vain, negligible, manipulative, and would think with their wangs or is into negative things like alcoholism or looking for fights. But rather be open-minded, respects for what I fight for, cares about the person's heart and soul instead of overzealously losing them, only defend for the things he cares for, and also gives me the courage to do so!
Also, I finally found the lyrics for the song, If Love Ruled the Universe, on the awesome site TheRevivedRacer found for me, Random Action Hour! Can't believe I'd been saying the title wrong all this time, damn.
So, soon will be the finale of this short, romantic fic; although, I think I need to add in more than one chapter to this...