Things were still very rocky down in the Netherworld as Serrator made it back to the ship with Dekker and Dayu in tow. They had each suffered a humiliating loss after their last plan to turn the Rangers into children, and were still recovering from that battle. Serrator, more than ever, was determined to see the end of the Samurai Rangers, and he wanted to make sure it happened before Xandred was back from his soak in the bottom of the Sanzu River.
Behind him, following reluctantly, were Dekker and Dayu, who had been hostages of Serrator's since they had tried to kidnap Terran. Serrator wasn't happy with their refusal to cooperate, but had gotten them to come back to the ship with him by swearing to give them something in return, should they do the one final thing that they asked. They too were still recovering from their injuries, and were a little worse off than Serrator. Rather than piss him off, and let him go back to the ship alone, they decided to call a somewhat truce, for the time being.
"Ah," Serrator smiled as he stepped foot on the empty ship, "It's good to be back."
Dekker and Dayu were on board next. Dekker had a look around. In all his years as a Nighlok, he had very rarely been on board Xandred's ship, choosing not to align himself with the Nighlok. He was his own ally. He followed no one's orders. Even now, with Serrator leading him, Dekker had thoughts of ending this miserable alliance. Serrator was not to be trusted.
"Ooh, ahh, ooh, where have you three been?" Octoroo waddled out from the backroom.
Serrator cast him aside, "We had an unfortunate meeting with the Samurai Rangers."
"I saw what happened," Octoroo smirked beneath his tentacles, but was shaking his head. It was best not to piss off Serrator, especially when Xandred wasn't around. "You got your ass handed to you by a bunch of Samurai children!"
"I will admit, I underestimated their power…"
"The yellow Ranger turned you into her goggie," Dayu chuckled. Serrator glared at her. He was more than ready to rid himself of her, seeing her as nothing more than a waste of space, but she and Dekker had an alliance, even if it was a little rocky. He couldn't do anything to one without alarming the other. He needed Dekker, and so Dayu had to stay.
"Fortunately, I have a greater plan already in the making," Serrator said. "Until now, these Rangers have had it easy. Soon, they will feel my true wrath."
"It's hard to take you seriously after what I've seen," Octoroo rolled his eyes. Serrator gave him an angry look.
"And what have you accomplished, noodle face?"
"While you were gone, I decided to have my own fun with the Rangers," Octoroo said, "Unfortunately, they proved too strong for my Samurai clones, but I did manage to take them away from their home and away from the city. Without their watchful eyes, Sanzu Water has slowly begun to seep through."
"Only making my plan that much easier," Serrator smirked and gave Octoroo a pat on the head, "I guess you aren't completely worthless after all. Now, why don't you go and do something somewhere else."
Octoroo sighed, but did as he was asked, not out of respect, but because he couldn't stand to be near Serrator any longer. He didn't trust the smirking monster.
As Octoroo waddled off, Serrator turned to Dayu and Dekker. He looked to Dayu in particular, "Go and see what the Rangers are up to now. It's been a while since I've gotten to play with them. I'd like to know how they are doing."
Dayu glared, "You think you can just order me around like some puppet…?"
"Dayu, go," Dekker told her, "Do as he asks. We will all benefit from knowing what the Rangers are up to."
With an angry sigh, Dayu set off. Dekker looked to Serrator, with one hand on the hilt of his sword Urumasa. Serrator shook his head and waved his hand, indicating he wasn't a threat to Dekker.
"Soon, I will need you for something."
"And you think, after everything you've done to me, I'll help you?"
Serrator smiled, "Dekker, when I asks for favours, I always make sure I give something back. You want your son…"
"More than anything," Dekker growled and looked to the wounds in his shoulder and his chest, where he had been shot by Serena's father for his attempt to take back his son. Dayu had told him of his boy, and how Serena thought she had the right to rip him away. For the first time in centuries, there was something Dekker wanted more than the ultimate duel, and Serena was depriving him of that. No matter what it took, he would get his son.
"I can make sure you get him," Serrator smiled, "My plan, as you can expect, involves the destruction of the Samurai Rangers, Serena included. If I succeed, there will be no one left standing between you and your son. You can take him back, and do whatever it is you want to do with that… human…"
Dekker looked to Serrator with interest, "So, if I help you? You will give me my son?"
"If that's what you want."
"You've betrayed Dayu before," Dekker shook his head, "You plan on betraying Master Xandred, your own king. Why should I trust you?"
"Why shouldn't you?" Serrator shrugged his shoulders, "You have nothing to lose…"
"Because of what you've done to me."
"I will give you some time to think about it," Serrator said. "I will understand if you choose not to help me, but I think it's in both of our best interest if you do. After all, my plan will happen, with or without you, and if you're not around while it comes true, there might not be anyone to protect your son."
Dekker growled at Serrator and then jumped away from the ship. He had to think.
-Samurai-
Back on the farm, it was getting closer and closer to the wedding hour. Mike was up, showed, shaved, and dressed for his wedding, and he was running around in a panic trying to get all the last minute details ready. Kevin, his best man, and the other men in his party and Kate were trying to calm him down, but they couldn't stop chuckling at how frantic he was over the smallest of details.
"You have the rings, right?" Mike asked Kevin for the fifth time in the last hour. Kevin tapped his pocket, feeling they were there, and then he decided he would have a little fun. He put his hand in his pocket and his eyes widened.
"Oh shit! There's a hole!"
"What!" Mike gasped and almost dove to the ground, but Kevin grabbed his arm, keeping him upright and keeping his tux from getting dirty.
"I'm kidding, Mike."
"That's not funny," Mike shook his head. "Show me the rings."
Kevin pulled both rings out of his pocket and Mike breathed a sigh of relief.
"Don't you dare lose them."
"You're talking to Kevin," Antonio chuckled, "The man doesn't even lose an eyelash. Everything's fine, Mike. Have a seat and just wait for the ceremony."
"I can't sit down!" Mike cried and paced back and forth, "Oh God, why can't this happen now? Are you sure she's not ready yet? We don't need to be right on time, do we? We can be early. We should be early… my stomach's in knots. I'm going to throw up. This was a bad idea…"
Kevin grabbed Mike by the shoulders. If Mike was freaking out this badly, he couldn't imagine what Serena and Mia were dealing with when it came to Emily - the bride.
"Mike, this wedding is one of the best ideas you've ever had," he held the groom steady and looked him in the eye, "Emily loves you, there's no doubt about that."
"But what if…"
Kevin shook his head, "She loves you. When she sees you standing there, she's not going to see anything else. I promise you."
"The rings…"
"I have them," Kevin chuckled, "All you need to do is say I do. I promise, I'll make sure everything's running smoothly."
"Okay," Mike nodded and took a deep breath. Suddenly, the barn doors started to open. Mike checked his watch, worried it was time to start the wedding and he wasn't where he was supposed to be. Then he saw his parents walking in and a smile lit up his face, "Mom! Dad!"
"Wow," Antonio smirked and looked over to Ji, "They made it with time to spare."
"You're getting married," David gave his son a big hug and then grabbed his arms to look at him, "And we have to hear about it from your sister in-law?"
Mike was at a loss for words. He had been a little disappointed his parents weren't going to make it to this wedding, but he planned on having another one, a big ceremony where his friends and family would be invited.
But this was better. This was so much better. This was the wedding that counted, in his heart, and sharing this moment with his parents meant the world to him. His mother then took him in her arms and she hugged him warmly. Mike could feel some of her tears soaking his shoulder, "Mom…"
"It's your big day," she looked up at him with a smile and straightened out his jacket, then his tie, "Emily's a sweet girl. She must be if she's going to be your wife. I wish nothing but the best for both of you. But please, Michael, never forget you're always going to be my little boy."
Mike nodded his head and hugged his mother again. She had done everything for him, turning him into a bit of a momma's boy. He wasn't ashamed of it. In fact, he was proud, and he was so happy to see her here, on his big day, ready to support him, and willing to give him her blessings.
"Let's get you ready for the big moment," David gave Mike a pat on the back, "You don't want to do what I did on my wedding day."
"Which was?" Mike asked. His mother shook her head.
"Dave, don't scare the poor boy," she touched Mike's cheek, "Everything's going to be perfect."
-Samurai-
Serena couldn't be in the room anymore. Emily had her dress on, and Mia was just touching up her hair and make-up. It was almost time for the big moment and Serena could barely breathe – and it wasn't because of her own dress.
Given the age difference between her and Emily, Serena could remember Emily's life almost better than her own, and several times she had even had to step up and play a motherly role. Her baby sister, in a way, was her baby, and the thought of today being her wedding day scared Serena more than anyone else.
Suddenly, the door, which she was leaning against to catch her breath, opened and she almost fell back. Mia quickly caught her and straightened her up, all while giggling. She stepped out of the room and closed the door, looking to Serena with a big smile.
"You're not getting cold feet, are you? If you're even thinking about objecting to the wedding, I'll make sure you don't get the chance."
"Not objecting," Serena shook her head. The thought hadn't crossed her mind. Kidnapping the bride, however and locking her away in the closet so the wedding wouldn't happen was an option she was still considering, though.
"Good," Mia smiled. "I have to go downstairs and get everything ready. Bring her down on time, got it? I wait for no one."
"You mean I have to go in there?" Serena pointed to the bedroom and shook her head, "Nahuh, that's not going to happen."
"She needs you, Serena. Be the big sister – go tell her how proud you are of her. Go wish her the best. She needs to hear it again. My words don't cut it anymore. Turns out, you are the favourite."
Serena nodded her head, took a deep breath, and then headed into the room. She kept her eyes on the floor as she closed the door, and then couldn't turn around.
"Serena…"
"Give me a minute, Emily."
"You said this wasn't a mistake."
Serena could hear it. Emily was getting nervous again. She shook her head and forced herself to turn around. Her breath was instantly taken away. "Oh my god…"
"Is it too much?"
Serena shook her head and reached out, touching one of her sister's beautiful, soft curls, and then she looked down at the white dress. It wasn't much. Emily had insisted she didn't need the big, fancy dress. It was simple, yet very elegant, and showed off just how beautiful Emily really was, without trying too hard. Tears started to spill from Serena's eyes, and Emily rushed to get a tissue for her.
"Stop it," she chuckled, "You're going to ruin your make-up and mine."
Serena dried her eyes and walked Emily over to the bed. She sat her down and then knelt before her.
"Promise me something, Emy."
"What?"
Promise me you're going to have the best life possible, with the very best man, and you're going to create the very best memories to look back on at the end of your life. And promise, that while you're out there, having the best time starting your new life, with your new family, you're not going to forget where you came from."
"Promise," Emily smiled and threw her arms around Serena's neck, hugging her tight.
Just as she was about to start crying, there was a knock on the door. Emily had never been so happy for company before and eagerly called them in while wiping the tears from her eyes, saving herself from having to redo her make-up.
Ji walked in with a bright smile on his face, which lit up even more when he saw Emily, "You look stunning."
"Thanks," Emily blushed and looked down at her dress.
"Mike is a very lucky man," Ji said and then he opened the door a little wider, "It would be our honour to give you to him."
Emily's eyes lit up with joy, "Daddy!" she jumped into his arms and held her father tight. This wedding was now perfect – almost. "Where's mom?"
"She's heading to the barn as we speak," Jack smiled as he set his daughter down and had a good look at her. He too started to tear up.
"Oh no," Emily shook her head, grabbed her father and Ji by the arms, "We need to get this wedding done fast, before everyone makes me cry!"
-Samurai-
Mike waited next to Mia and Kevin, with the small, but very special wedding party all in their seats. It was minutes until the wedding. Emily would be down soon.
As Mike chewed his nails, Mia grabbed his arm, seeing he needed a distraction. These last few minutes were almost too painful to bear.
"I have a surprise for you," she whispered and held her hand out to Kevin. Because of her dress, she didn't have a pocket and couldn't keep her certificate on her, so she had Kevin hold it. He put the paper in her hand and she held it up to show Mike. His jaw dropped.
"You're a minister?"
"Wonderful world wide web," Mia nodded her head, "I told you I would make this happen."
Mike smiled. In every way, this wedding was very real. By the end of the night, Emily would be his wife. There would be no doubt about that. No one could say otherwise.
"Mia, you're amazing," Mike smiled and kissed her cheek, "I really don't know what to say."
"You died for Kevin and I," Mia shrugged, "Sitting my ass down in front of a computer, even with the slowest internet imaginable, was seriously the least I could do."
Mike smiled, admiring the certificate until he heard the barn doors opening again and he knew this was it. Serena and her mother walked in first, down the aisle and Mike was as happy as he thought he could be. Emily's family was here too. He knew how important that was for her and couldn't imagine how she must have been feeling.
Just outside, Emily was ready to go. Her mother and her sister were already inside and everyone was waiting for her. Ji and Jack, however, hesitated.
"C'mon," she tugged on their arms, "This will happen with or without you. I can be flexible."
"I'm proud of you…"
"No more speeches," Emily shook her head, "I'm on the verge of tears already. Let's just do this."
Ji and Jack gave little nods and then opened the door. All eyes instantly turned around and Emily felt very uncomfortable. She was never one to seek attention and at this moment, that was all she was getting.
Then she looked down the aisle at Mike and everything melted away. He looked stunning dressed up in his tux, and the way he looked back at her, with a spark in his eyes, was something Emily would never forget.
Antonio suddenly whistled and Storm started to bark and ran passed Emily, Ji, and Jack, down the aisle with flowers in her collar. Right behind her, Terran was moving as quickly as he could, trying to catch the dog. Antonio grinned and turned to Jayden as both the flower pup, and the ring bearer made it down the aisle.
"See, I could do it."
"You're insane," Jayden sighed.
Emily was walked down the aisle, and then Ji and Jack each gave her a kiss on the cheek as they let her go. Emily stood before Mike with a bright smile on her face. She could see he was at a loss for words. So was she.
"Guys… guys!" Mia waved her hand between the two of them, "Uh, this wedding thing can't happen if neither of you says I do."
"What?"
"Already?"
Mia rolled her eyes, "I should have seen that coming. Mike, I said: do you take Emily…"
"I do."
"Uh… okay. Then, Emily…"
"I do."
Mia threw her hands in the air and then turned to Kevin, "This is not happening at our wedding."
Serena cleared her throat, "Rings," she coughed out. Kevin smiled and pulled the rings out from his pocket.
Mike looked down at the little metal circle in his hand. Now, this was truly it. As he slipped the ring onto Emily's finger, she became his wife and when she put the ring on his finger, he was her husband.
"You may now…" before Mia could finish, Mike took Emily's hand and the two of them raced out of the barn, leaving their friends and family very confused. Serena leaned over and whispered to a slightly frustrated Mia.
"You know, I didn't see that coming, but I'm not surprised. Shall we…?"
"Paperwork, now, before I change my mind," Mia nodded her head.
Outside, the newlyweds raced out into the field. As happy as they were to celebrate with their family, it was very rare they got a moment to themselves. When they were far enough away from the barn, Mike pulled Emily into his arms, hugged her tight and leaned down. He kissed his wife for the very first time.
"We can't honeymoon," he said between kisses, "until after Xandred's defeated…"
"This is a nice place," Emily gestured to the field, "We can have the big honeymoon after the big wedding."
Mike nodded and sat down in the field, pulling Emily onto his lap and then pressing his lips to her.
He hadn't been to many weddings. In fact, he hadn't been to any, but this was, officially the best wedding ever.
