The sun's rays drifted in the large room, warming it with its brightness. The room had several people running back and forth, making sure everything was running smoothly. Security was tightened, so there wouldn't be any interference from propaganda and other media.
Jaye stood nervously in the middle of the room, with several attendants assisting her with the wedding gown and putting on the traditional Scottish wrap around her shoulder.
Scarlett and Cover Girl were both all ready, dressed in their hunter green gowns, a bouquet of pink roses in their hands and their hair pinned in a French twist.
"Nervous?" Scarlett asked, gently.
"Right now I think I'd be less nervous facing down a Viper firing squad," Jaye answered seriously.
"Allie, don't be nervous, It's Flint who has to be nervous. He has to walk out of there in a dress!" Cover Girl smirked.
Jaye giggled. "It's not a dress, it's a kilt."
Scarlett looked at Cover Girl and spoke in a Scottish accent, "Aye, Lassie! It's a kilt!"
They burst out laughing. Jaye was all ready except for her veil, the honor usually saved for the mother of the bride. Since her mother had passed away, the honor fell to her Aunt Brody.
"Can't believe so many guests have showed up, it looks half of Scotland is out there!" Cover Girl pointed out, from peeking out the door.
Scarlett caught a glimpse of Hawk near the Royal seating area, "Not to mention most of the Royal family." She turned to her friend, "Allie, is there anyone here you don't know?"
"These are people my family knows," Jaye explained.
Scarlett and Cover Girl looked around amazed at the guests for Jaye's Wedding. They looked at each other, "I'm having a small wedding." Cover Girl stated.
The redhead smiled. "Really small, most of the guests would be petrified of Beach Head and probably won't show up." Scarlett laughed, ducking from Cover Girl's bouquet that almost hit her head.
"Lassies! Get in there!" Aunt Brody's voice sounded serious, as he walked in, dressed in a royal blue ankle length gown, diamond earrings and a diamond necklace. A red rose was pinned on his dress. But Aunt Brody was not alone, as the two Great Danes followed him inside the room.
"What are they doing here? Are dogs are allowed inside the Cathedral?" asked an impressed Cover Girl.
"Nay, Lassie. Usually, no dog is allowed, but this is a special wedding, so they are allowed," Aunt Brody explained, then walked over towards his niece. "Lass, just saw yer Lad. He looks ready to hit the floor."
"Really? He isn't having second thoughts is he?" She asked her voice filled with worry and her face looking desperate while one of the attendants handed Aunt Brody the veil.
"Nay, lass." Aunt Brody smirked, "That lad is only nervous about fallin' down and his kilt goes ...emm.. you know..."
"Hands off, Aunt Brody. Dash is all mine." Jaye teased playfully.
Aunt Brody's jaw dropped, "Lass! Ye know that yer Aunt Brody wouldn't do such a thing! Now... that blond Lad… that's another story."
Scarlett laughed, "Aunt Brody, would you like him gift wrapped too?"
Cover Girl laughed so hard she snorted, which caused more laughter.
"Now Aunt Brody, what would Uncle Shawn think." Jaye teased again, referring to the man that Aunt Brody was 'married' to.
"Shawn? Who's Shawn?" Aunt Brody asked, pretending to think. "Lassies, ye know Aunt Brody is only kiddin!"
Scarlett walked over to Aunt Brody and put a hand on his shoulder. "Maybe I can take Shawn, and you can have Duke," she teased, but covered her mouth just as Duke's head popped in the door.
Jaye tried really hard not to laugh when she spotted the Best Man enter the room.
Duke just shook his head and grinned. "Are you ladies ready?"
"Aunt Brody just needs to help me with my veil then we will be ready." Jaye said.
"Aye," Aunt Brody walked over and carefully placed the veil on her head, covering her face with the delicate lace. "Ye look beautiful, lass." His voice started breaking, and several tears fell down his cheeks.
Scarlett rushed over to Aunt Brody. "Here, Aunt Brody," she gently said, handing him a tissue.
"Thank ye, Lassie." he replied, blowing his nose and more tears escaped.
Jaye's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Tell my father we're ready."
Duke nodded and left. He walked down to the room off to the side of the chapel. "Lord Burnett, they're ready."
Hawk patted Flint's shoulder and smiled reassuringly at him. "Are you ready?"
"Ready, Sir." Flint smiled, ready to spend the rest of his life with the person he loved most in the world, Jaye.
"You go on, Robert. I'll make sure Dash gets inside the chapel alright," Hawk said with a chuckle. He turned Flint towards the door with Duke and Roadblock following them.
"Aye, Clayton," Robert said, then turned to his future son-in-law. "Son, Ah want ye to know, Ah'm happy me Alison is marrying ye." embracing the warrant officer.
"Thank you, Lord Burnett," Flint said, after being released from the hug.
"Lad, call me Da, or Father." Robert smiled at the young man. "Or, ye can call me Daddy, like Alison does." He suggested with a wink.
"I'll think I'll stick with Da, if it is alright with you, Sir." Flint smiled.
"Didna Ah just say…" But Robert was cut off by Hawk.
"Robert, Flint has a hard habit to break, if you two keep this conversation, we will be here until next Tuesday," The Joe leader stated, making both men laugh.
Aunt Brody came down into the room. "Ye men are keeping the nervous young lass waiting. Now hurry ye behinds up."
Hawk chuckled. "Come on. Let's get you two married." He lead the warrant officer towards the chapel, Aunt Brody and Lord Burnett following them.
Aunt Brody looked towards Robert. "She is so beautiful, Robbie," he said, with tears falling. "Just like her momma. It seems like only yesterday ye were bouncing her on yer knee and now here she be, getting married to a fine young man."
"Aye, she does. That she does." Robert nodded in agreement, looking at his daughter, remembering her high spirited childhood, her happy and sad moments, her laughter, her cries and her fearless tongue. Seemed like almost yesterday he could picture her running through the gardens, Aunt Brody at her heels. A chuckle rose from his throat, "Ah can feel her mother with us today. Ah know she is watching Alison on this special day."
"Oh, Daddy." Jaye said and hugged her father. "Even though I'm getting married today I will always and forever be your little girl." She kissed his cheek. "You were my first love."
Aunt Brody sniffled, and blew his nose. Then more tears came down his cheeks.
"Aww.. Aunt Brody, don't cry," Cover Girl said, wiping a tear from her own eye. "I think soon they are going to call this the weeping party, instead the wedding party."
Scarlett glanced towards the alter, seeing for the first time, Flint decked all in his Scottish attire. Her eyes traveled to Duke, who was standing next to him. Her heart skipped a beat and she found herself lightheaded.
The two large dogs stood at attention at the end of the aisle, waiting patiently.
Suddenly the music began to play. Its melody filled the Chapel with its serene notes.
Flint's parents were the first to go down the red carpet and take their honorary seats on the groom's side of the chapel. Next, Hawk walked down the aisle with Aunt Brody, who was still sniffling. Aunt Brody took the seat set aside for the mother of the bride, next to Uncle Shawn, and Hawk took his seat next to them.
Three flowers girls paraded slowly, each throwing three different colored rose petals. Red, white and yellow.
Cover Girl walked down the aisle, smiling, and holding her bouquet in her hands. Sounds of awe could be heard from the guests who admired her dress and her beauty.
Scarlett followed, and Duke felt a knot form in his throat, admiring her beauty, and it was as if there was no one else in the room as his eyes watched her come and take her place as maid of honor.
The music then stopped and for what seemed like an eternity it remained quiet, causing several guests to think that the young heir to the Burnett clan had chickened out.
Finally, the wedding march started. Everyone rose from their seats and heads turned towards the back of the room. Jaye began walking down the aisle with her arm through her father's arm and the veil covering her face. The church guests smiled, admiring the bride, who walked so elegantly, walking slowly, not missing a beat. Her gown glittered from the oval shaped sequins on the stomach area, and the lace gently draped over her features. The dress itself was made for a princess, but was worn now by a Lady. The dress's extremely long train gracefully trailed smoothly behind. In her arms, an enormous red and white rose bouquet, could easily fill the room with its fragrance.
Flint's eyes glistened from happiness, watching her slowly near him. He stood waiting, frozen in time, his heart beat steady, syncopating to the rhythm of her steps. His thoughts raced, this was the day, this was the time, everything will become one. Their lives, their hearts, their love, and their world. He felt a nudge on his back, and turned to see Duke smiling. He returned that smile and then shared it with the entire church.
Jaye held her father, and felt him squeeze her hand, assuring her that this was her moment, what he dreamed for her since she was only a child. She glanced slowly around her, seeing the many familiar faces in the Cathedral. Her family. His family. Their friends. Everyone. She noticed Aunt Brody, crying, holding on to Uncle Shawn, who was himself holding the waterworks. Next to them, Destro sat straight and proud, just like a Lord. Victoria sat next to him, watching Jaye's every movement.
What seemed like miles in the beginning became only feet. Jaye's eyes sparkled looking directly at Flint, and erased everyone else around her. He stood there, gallant, with kilt and all. She couldn't stop smiling at his face. She blinked a tear of joy away, watching him watch her, and stopped only inches away.
The priest stood in front of the altar when Robert and Jaye arrived.
"Who gives this woman to this man?"
"Ah do." Jaye heard her father say, her heart skipping a beat. Robert turned to Flint, smiling and slowly guided Jaye's hand to Flint's, patting both of them when they connected.
The priest began the ceremony, both in Gaelic and in English. His words floated around the church, out of the door and straight to heaven. Jaye and Flint listened attentively to each one, for those words bound them together for all eternity.
It was time for the rings, and Duke stepped forward, handing them to the priest. Scarlett stood beside him. Flint took the ring and put it on Jaye's finger, with the inscription 'Mo ghaol ort', I love you.
His vow was spoken loudly and clearly, "I, Dashiell Faireborn now take you Alison Hart-Burnett to be my wife. In the presence of God and before these witnesses I promise to be a loving, faithful and loyal husband to you, for as long as we both shall live."
Jaye smiled, taking the second ring, and gently putting it on Flint's finger, saying her vow, "I, Alison Hart-Burnett now take you Dashiell Faireborn to be my husband. In the presence of God and before these witnesses I promise to be a loving, faithful and loyal wife to you, for as long as we both shall live."
The ceremony continued, until the Priest's spoke Flint's name twice. "Lad?"
Flint looked at the man, perplexed, did he made a mistake?
The Priest smiled, "Didna hear me, Lad? I said, you may kiss the bride."
Flint heard a chuckle coming from Duke, but his attention was only centered in one area. Jaye's face. His head bent down to seal the union forever, her lips rose to meet his, almost touching, meeting.
And then, all hell broke loose.
The windows shattered, the doors burst open, and a dozen or more Cobra Vipers broke into the room, shooting at anything on sight. Screams sounded louder than any church bell on a Sunday morning's service. Guests jumped out of their seats, trying to escape the madness that had exploded in the chapel, only to have the terrorists sit them back down, guns drawn on their heads.
Someone screamed one word. "Joes!" It was a command, leadership. Hawk, who was already rushing towards the Royal guests.
Flint stared openmouthed at the scene before him, seeing the panic rise from all sides of the Cathedral. He watched horrified at the three Vipers heading down the aisle towards them. His mind clicked, going into action, he rushed forward, and with a powerful blow, knocked one of the Cobra's down cold. He heard a scream, and turned to watch another snake going after his world!
Jaye stood there, motionless. The Viper inched closer to her, ready to aim and fire. Her breathing slowed, thinking this was the last moment of her life. Her heartbeat pounded rigorously and she felt a tug on her dress, Orion pulling her out of the way, just at the same instant when the Cobra Viper fired, she screamed at the top of her lungs. "Dash!" Then felt a sharp pain down on her lower body, making her flinch, losing her balance, and fell to the marble floor, not moving.
"Allie!" Flint shouted. His voice echoed upwards towards the high ceilings. He rushed forward, his heart beating fast, his mouth dry, his world frozen still, gazing at his fallen love on the floor, not moving. 'No!' His mind screamed, before he felt a familiar pain enter his skin, then his world began to darken, slowly. He kneeled to the marble floor, slowly crawling towards her, hoping, praying that she was alive. Then the darkness won its battle, he felt his body fall-- next to hers. With his last strength, reached his hand and placed it on top of hers.
Shots filled the air, and a voice from one of the Vipers demanded the jewels.
Destro looked stunned around him, then called out to the Vipers to stop the attack. They didn't. They were controlled by another? Who? He vowed to find and kill the person who was responsible for this. 'Victoria!' His mind reminded him. He turned to see that she had vanished. Where was she? Then he noticed her, heading out of the door, in the midst of several guests. "Victoria!" He called, running towards her, hoping she too wouldn't fall in the battle. He lost sight of her and for a moment his whole world seemed to perish.
Hawk watched from the top of the balcony, screaming orders to Duke, Roadblock, Cover Girl and Scarlett. He saw Duke fighting with one of the Vipers, another heading for Scarlett. He lost sight of Roadblock and Cover Girl and prayed that they weren't hurt of worse. His heart stopped at the image of Flint and Jaye on the floor, not moving. Shots passed his ear, and his mind raced. He had to get the Royal family out of the door. The Royal guards had barricaded the doors to the balcony, but the pounding rocked from the Cobra's attempt to get to the Royal family. They broke in! Shooting at random. Quickly grabbing the jewels, taking the expensive watches from the men and the last thing, taking Hawk's comm. Link, before a pain shot through the General's entire body and he toppled over a chair, unconscious.
Roadblock helped Aunt Brody and Flint's family escape, along with a few other guests. He rushed back in, charging towards a trio of Vipers, who continued to fire, continuously all around. He punched, kicked, threw one of the blue uniform enemies out of a window. Another grabbed him, sending him falling to the ground and his head met the floor.
Cover Girl led several guests towards the door, punching a Viper, grabbing the weapon before the snake could counterattack. She shot some rounds in the air. Making sure not hitting any civilians. She looked to her right and spotted Scarlett before someone knocked her down with a kick. She rolled over and fired, sending the Cobra low rank officer to the floor, unconscious. She stood up, shaking, and continued to lead the others out of the church, when an unknown object sent her flying to the ground and the last image her eyes met were the ice cold ones of the enemy, before blackness won.
Duke had watched Hawk go down. "Hawk!" He looked up, hoping his commanding officer had survived. Something sent him flying through the air, causing him to land on the floor, hard, hitting his head. He shook off the pain quickly, standing back up and throwing himself on the Viper, sending both of them rolling on the ground, while trying to grab the still firing weapon from the enemy. They hit the wall with a force, so strong, that made both their bodies tremble from the impact. The Viper stood up and retreated, heading for the door.
The first sergeant stood up, shaken. Then his breath froze, watching in horror a Viper edging closer to Scarlett. "No!" He heard his cry over the deafening sound of the screaming guests, who pushed and shoved, trying to escape. He was pushed, knocked down. He lost sight of the redhead for a split moment. Sprinting back up on his feet in seconds, he rushed forwards towards her, running faster than he had ever run before, watching her body fall to the ground, her head hitting the marble floor. Her eyes closed, her hands limp, no longer fighting. Then he froze, watching the Viper, aim, to finish the job. "Shana!" he screamed at the top of his lungs, throwing himself on top of her, shielding her, protecting her, before he felt a familiar burning sensation, and the sound of her beating heart was the last sound he heard when his world went black.
A female voice floated in the air. "Cobra! Mission accomplished! Retreat!" The terrorist group rushed out of the Cathedral leaving only destruction behind.