It's the wedding chapter, people! It gets kind of tedious and boring in the middle, just to warn you.
FOREVERMORE
~Part Three Of The Forever Trilogy~
Chapter 9
The Fearless Wedding
August 1, 5000.
(Topaz's POV)
The days went by rather fast. I trained my squadron hard. They would be the best in the whole Resistance if I had anything to do with it. I still had issues with Cyan, but he grew to respect me...eventually. I trained hard with Eris, hoping for her to evolve. I had no idea what Eeveelution I wanted her to evolve into, though.
Am and Diamonda announced they were getting married early. Why? Because on July twentieth, Littleroot Town was bombed. Rubin and Sapph's hometown was no more. Synis had officially declared war on the rebels. The war was finally here.
Anyways, today was the wedding. We had been given Mount Silver's church to use. This was a big deal, after all. Diamonda was given the most beautiful gown ever. Gold would be the best man, and I was to be the maid of honor. Somehow, they had managed to find some flower girls and a ring bearer.
"Ohh, weddings are so exciting!" gushed Jade. "I can't wait to get married! Am and Dima are so lucky!"
Yeah, if we lived long enough. And yes, they were lucky, too.
I looked up at Jade as we were making last minute adjustments to the church. Her auburn hair was curled into perfect ringlets, and pulled up high on top of her head. Her dress was pale pink, like mine, since she was the only other bridesmaid.
"Don't tell Plato that," I warned jokingly.
She giggled. "Nah, I think I'll wait a few years."
"Me too," I said.
"MAKE WAY! THERE'S A CAKE COMING THROUGH!"
Jade and I immediately backed up as Rubin, Gold, and Plato came pushing a cart with the most gigantic cake I had ever seen on it. It was absolutely beautiful. The bride and groom on top, I swear, looked just like Am and Diamonda. The guys stopped pushing the cart in front of the table it was supposed to go on.
"Whew!" said Rubin, wiping his forehead with his handkerchief. "This took hours to make!"
"Who's gonna lift it?" asked Gold. "It might ruin our tuxes."
"Oh, don't worry about that," Rubin said, waving him off. "I hired someone to do it."
"With what money?" demanded Gold, the shock apparent on his face.
"I have a salary," my boyfriend replied, unfazed. "You get paid to be a commander, remember?"
Gold said hi to his face with his hand. Plato sighed, and shook his head. Jade giggled, and I smiled. Yep, being a commander definitely had its benefits.
"Man, I wish I was a commander," said Gold.
"It's hard work," I said, walking up to them, and Jade followed suit. "But I guess it's worth it in the end."
"GAH! SOMEONE TAKE THIS BABY FROM ME!"
Sapph rushed up to us in a royal blue dress, holding a crying Aqua. Viola was trudging behind her. Who on earth with a right mind would leave Sapph with the baby? Seriously? They needed to be talked to.
"Sapph, what did you do?" Jade demanded, taking Aqua from the girl, who immediately hushed.
"What the hell?" Sapph groaned. "I didn't do anything! She just started crying all of a sudden when Vio handed her to me!"
"I told you she doesn't really like you for some reason," sighed Viola.
"You really aren't a kid person, sis," said Rubin.
Sapph scowled. "Yeah, I guess I'm not. But it doesn't matter. I'm not gonna be a mom any time soon. Or have any kids for that matter."
Gold groaned, and we all gave him weird looks. "What? Don't look at me like that! It's creepy!"
...
It was time.
Even though I wasn't the one getting married, I couldn't help but feel nervous. My part as the maid of honor was very important to me. I listened for the music to change, which was my cue to enter. Jade was the only other bridesmaid, and she had to enter after me.
The music changed, signaling my cue to enter. Jade gave me a reassuring smile, and I gave her a weak one in return. I took a deep breath, and stepped out. I walked down the aisle, and took my position on Diamonda's side of the alter. Gold grinned at me from where he stood next to Am. I rolled my eyes at him. Jade came walking down, and joined me. Next came the flower girls, and the ring bearer, who all sat down in front of us. Our music ended for us, and the ushers (jeez, where'd they get them?) unrolled the aisle runner.
The priest asked the guests (there were barely any) to rise, and the bridal march began to play. Plato was giving Diamonda away since he was her closest male relative (her father was too risky to contact). And Diamonda was absolutely stunning. Her pale blonde hair was put up high on her head, and cascaded down like a waterfall, and perfect ringlets framed her face behind the veil. The gown was white as snow, was extremely lacy (in a nice way), had a wicked train, and displayed her curves in all the right ways.
I sure hoped I would look that beautiful on my wedding day.
First the priest asked everyone to be seated, and then began to speak. "Welcome! We are gathered here today in the sight of Arceus and legendary Pokemon, and the presence of friends and loved ones, to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes and blessings to the words which shall unite Diamonda Bertliz-Palmer and Amethyst Kimu in holy matrimony."
After a pause, he added, "Marriage is a most honorable estate, signifying unto us a mystical union—may this marriage be adorned by true and abiding love and that same special union. Who is it that brings this woman to this man?"
"I do," said Plato.
He then kissed Diamonda on the cheek, and returned to his seat. Am stepped forward, and I almost giggled at the look Dima gave him; he wasn't wearing a tux. He was in a white dress shirt, and black slacks, which he probably had to go buy himself, since there was no way he could have borrowed something that fit him from one of the guys; he was too tall. Anyways, he took her hand, and they moved to stand before the priest.
"To this moment you bring the fullness of your hearts as a treasure to share with one another. You bring dreams which bind you together. You bring your particular personalities and spirits out of which will flow the reality of your lives together. We rejoice with you now as you express the outward symbol of your inward union of hearts. It is a union that has already been created by friendship, by respect and by love."
"We would like to take a moment to recognize the parents who could not be here today, whether because of the Resistance, or unspoken means. Harold and Faith Bertliz-Palmer, and Jin and Krysta Kimu are not here today with us."
Since neither set of parents were here to light the individual candles for the Unity Candle, Plato and Fiori did the duty. After that, the priest read a love poem, which served as the first reading. Arceus, I hadn't know weddings were so complicated!
"Diamonda and Amethyst, as the two of you come into this marriage uniting you as husband and wife, and as you this day affirm your faith and love for one another, I would ask that you always remember to cherish each other as special and unique individuals, that you respect the thoughts, ideas and suggestions of one another. Be able to forgive, do not hold grudges, and live each day that you may share it together—as from this day forward you shall be each other's home, comfort and refuge, your marriage strengthened by your love and respect for each other."
"Just as two threads woven in opposite directions will form a most beautiful tapestry, so too can your two lives merged together make a beautiful marriage. To make your relationship work will take love. This is the core of your marriage and why you are here today. It will take trust, to know in your hearts that you truly want the best for each other. It will take dedication, to stay open to one another—and to learn and grow together. It will take faith, to go forward together without knowing exactly what the future brings. And it will take commitment; to hold true to the journey you both pledge today to share together."
"Who presents Diamonda Bertliz-Palmer to Amethyst Kimu to be married?" asked the priest.
"I do," said Plato.
"Who presents Amethyst Kimu to Diamonda Bertliz-Palmer to be married?" asked the priest.
"I do," Fiori said with a smirk.
"Diamonda and Amethyst, I would ask that you both remember to treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourself often of what brought you here today. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your marriage deserves. When frustration and difficulty assail your marriage—as they do to every relationship at one time or another—focus on what still seems right between you, not only the part that seems wrong. This way, when clouds of trouble hide the sun in your lives and you lose sight of it for a moment, you can remember that the sun is still there. And if each of you will take responsibility for the quality of your lives together, your marriage will be marked by abundance and delight."
"Who holds the rings?" asked the priest.
"I do," said Gold, holding up the rings to the priest to be blessed.
"Let us bless these rings! O Arceus, these rings are circles, symbols that remind us of the Sun, and the Earth, and the universe."
"Symbols of holiness, of perfection and peace...that which has no beginning and no end. And so, in this moment, bring your blessing to these rings to also be symbols of unity, of joining and of commitment. Grant that the love which Diamonda and Amethyst have for each other now may always be just this way."
"These are the rings that Diamonda and Amethyst will wear for the rest of their lives, that express the love that they have for one another. Let us take a moment and send our prayers, our thoughts and our love to these rings, so that as they wear them, they will carry our love with them as well."
They both turned to face each other. They took hands, and slid the rings halfway on each other's fingers. Now it was oath time.
"I, Amethyst Kimu, take you, Diamonda Bertliz-Palmer, to be my friend, my lover, the mother of my children and my amazing wife. I will be yours in times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of failure and in times of triumph. I promise to cherish and respect you, to care and protect you, to comfort and encourage you, and stay with you, for all eternity, as Arceus as my witness."
Oh Arceus. That was probably the most Am said at once in his entire life. Just hearing him say that, and actually sounding like he meant it, not the usual sarcastic comments, made me tear up. Ugh, I was such a softie. He finished sliding the ring onto her finger.
"I, Diamonda Bertliz-Palmer, choose you Amethyst Kimu, as my everything. I vow to love you through sickness and health, through the good and the bad, through richer and poorer. You are everything I need, and at this moment I know that all my prayers have been answered and that all of my dreams have come true. This is the moment I have waited my whole life for. I promise to give you my all and I know that I could not ask for more from you. I love you and always will. This is my solemn vow."
Diamonda finished sliding the ring on his finger. I looked out at the crowd. I swear I saw Sapph bawling her eyes out, dabbing her face with tissues. Maybe she was a girl after all.
The priest did the second reading, and then Plato and Fiori lit the Unity Candle in place of Am and Diamonda's mothers. We were only minutes away from the best part!
"Diamonda and Amethyst, we, your family and friends, wish for you the very best! We wish that you be filled with joy, and that love abide with you always. May you find happiness and satisfaction in your work. May daily problems never cause you undue anxiety, nor the desire for earthly possessions dominate your lives. But may your hearts' first desire be always the abundance of good things awaiting you from our loving Arceus. May Arceus bless you with many happy years together, so that you may enjoy the rewards of a good, long and healthy life. And after serving Arceus by your love of others in this physical world, may Arceus welcome you into the eternal spiritual world for all ages to come."
"And so now, in as much as you, Amethyst, and you, Diamonda, have announced the truths that are already written in your hearts, and have witnessed the same in the presence of these, your family and friends, and before God, the One Living Spirit—we observe joyfully that you have declared yourself to be...husband and wife." He paused. "Congratulations, you may kiss the bride!"
Diamonda threw her arms around Am's neck, and they kissed. The crowd roared, erupting into applause. I clapped as Gold whistled loudly. I rolled my eyes at him, fighting the urge to laugh. Finally, they broke apart, and everyone wooted louder, especially Gold. I couldn't help but laugh this time.
"Would everyone please stand as the couple departs!" exclaimed the priest.
Am and Diamonda took hands, and slowly proceeded to walk back down the aisle. The flower girls and ring bearer followed suit. Gold offered me his arm, still grinning obnoxiously, and I took it, since we had to exit in pairs, and he was the best men, and I was the maid of honor. Jade had to leave alone, since Am didn't choose any other groomsmen. At least she wasn't stuck with Gold.
"Thank you all very much!"
...
And so the festivities began. First, there was the cutting and eating of the cake. And as soon as Am and Diamonda had fed each other...
"CAKE TIME!" Gold and Sapph crowed.
The cake was heaven, as always. I expected nothing less than that. And Rubin told me that Jasper helped him bake it. Note to self—thank Jasper later.
Next came the dancing. Am and Diamonda had the first dance, of course, and then I was whisked on the dance floor by Rubin. I also danced with Am, Plato, Gold, and Grey. Yes, Grey. It wasn't even awkward! I was so happy about that. We actually had a normal conversation. However, Rubin snatched me back before anyone else could claim me.
"Don't you just love weddings?" I sighed as we slowly danced across the floor. "Am and Dima look so happy!"
"Yeah," he said, glancing at them. "They really love each other."
"They have to," I said. "I mean, they had—well, you know."
"Not necessarily," Rubin said dryly. "You're friends with Gold, remember?"
I snorted. "Oh yeah. Well, normal people do it when they love someone. And are married."
"...Can we talk about something else?"
I realized that he might have taken my statement the wrong way. It sounded like I was insinuating that I wanted to break one of his rules. Why did everything have to be so complicated?
"Of course," I said.
...
Next up was the infamous flower bouquet throw. Whoever caught the bouquet would be the next to marry, the tradition said. Jade, who was getting all hyped up about it, dragged me, Sapph, Viola, and even Fiori with her to compete for the bouquet.
Diamonda smiled at us, and then tossed the bouquet into the air. There were squeals are girls (who I didn't even know) jumped for it, but they merely batted it farther away. I got out of the crowd to see the bouquet hit my dear boyfriend in the face and land in his arms.
"What the-" he began.
Gold keeled over laughing. "Ha ha ha! Rubin caught the bouquet! Ha ha ha!"
"Oh, come on," groaned Rubin.
"Rubin's a girl!" Gold exclaimed, still laughing.
Rubin smacked him upside his head while Sapph slugged him in the gut, screaming at him. Yep, things were back to normal for them.
Wait...does that count?
"Here, take it," Rubin said, handing me the bouquet while the rest of our group joined us.
I accepted it from him, and smelled the flowers. "Thank you." I leaned forward, and stood on my toes, and kissed him on the cheek, making him blush.
"Okay everyone, group picture!" exclaimed the photographer as we all gathered.
Am and Diamonda were in the center; Am had his arm around her waist, and Diamonda was holding baby Aqua. Gold was on Am's other side. Fiori was pushing Sapph into Gold, while Grey watched her with a WTF face. I was on Diamonda's other side. Rubin had his arm around my shoulders, smiling. Jade beamed at the camera, winking, while tugging Plato towards her. Cyan was on Plato's other side, looking bored. Viola, Jasper, and Esmeralda sat on the floor.
That was out Kodak moment.
I AM SO SORRY FOR THE LATE UPDATE!
I was having trouble with the wedding chapter, and then when I finished it, my computer died. And of course, I now have school to deal with, too.
Anyways, I hope this chapter makes up for the long wait.
I'm thinking about having another writing or art contest, but I dunno yet.
Also...I have a job for you. COME UP WITH CRACK SHIPS PEOPLE! xD
Anyways, go and review!
PS. EXPECT LOTS OF ACTION, VIOLENCE, DEATH, BLOOD, AND BOMBS NEXT CHAPPIE! YAY!