A/N: Ben 10 does not belong to me in the least.

Quiet fell over the square and Gwen looked back at the entrance way. Guards filed in two rows, a pathway between their ranks. As they marched towards the head of the aisle, a figure in teal swept in. There were cheers from the crowd as they applauded their Princess. They just simply stared at her. The scar on his chest throbbed, pain ebbing at him. She was beautiful and, he noticed with growing annoyance, her dress matched the color of her husband-to-be's hair perfectly. Long and loose, the sheer overskirt billowed behind her. The dress hung off her shoulders, the sleeves flowing and sheer to her wrists. Her hair was just as long as her sister's, and still pink. A golden band with dark red stones rested over her forehead.

Covron, his ID Mask off, walked behind her with Rachel. When they appeared, some in the crowd hissed at the appearance of a Felilis, something they hadn't expected. Was Rachel's species that disliked? That even at a Royal wedding she was hated? While on the arm of their Prince?

The guards stopped after filing towards the front, spreading out on either side of the alter, standing at attention as their Princess followed behind them, her head held high and her eyes clear. Few saw the way her jaw clenched, or how she was struggling to keep her hands from curling into fists. Before reaching the platform, she paused. The audience quieted, waiting for… Well, the Plumbers had no idea. They weren't well versed in Matarian wedding traditions.

Meena dipped low, her dress swirling about her as it settled on the ground in a pool, her eyes closed as she submitted to her husband-to-be. Covron and Rachel followed her example behind her, bowing and curtsying low. A long moment passed and everyone held their breaths. Movement to the right brought their eyes to the platform across the square where thrones sat previously unoccupied.

The King had entered.

He was a tall man, blonde haired with broad shoulders, high cheek bones and a straight nose. Orange eyes blazed as he surveyed those who had been lucky enough to attend this honored and historic event. Their first impression of their friend's father was that of a strict, unrelenting man. His queen was beautiful and they could see where Meena and Rasavas had gotten their looks from. They both stood, Fasea's hand curled lightly around his arm while they watched the proceedings in silence. Rasavas and Syvin stood some feet behind them. All were dressed formally, as befitted their royal status and the occasion.

"Rise." King Agio's voice wasn't the boom they expected it to be. It was quiet and low. Meena rose fluidly from her curtsy, as did Rachel and her brother. Silence fell over the square once more and they waited for the King's next words. "Proceed." Meena bowed her head to her father's wishes and Rachel stepped forward with Covron. "Let the ceremony commence." Covron moved ahead of them, stepping up the short flight of stairs until he stood beside Damentan, in-front of the table. Rachel touched Meena's arm and together, they walked up the platform, standing before the teal haired man, her brother between the two of them. His golden eyes glowed, taking in Rachel curiously before they latched onto Meena's form. Pierce was surprised at Rachel's restraint: she typically would have lashed out by now.

"D'Aurora." Meena looked to her brother. "Damentan." The man looked away from his bride. "A more glorious union the world may never know." Pierce bristled at that.

–Unbeknownst to them, this was how all Matarian marriage ceremonies began—

Meena raised her hand and placed it in her brother's left hand while Damentan took hold of her brother's right. "With your blessing, Your Highness?" King Agio gave a slow nod. Covron looked to the other side of the square where Damentan's leader sat with other high ranking officials presiding over the Tuarlo. "And with yours, Minister?" The Minister, a cruel looking man with fiery red hair and scarlet eyes to match nodded. "Then we shall begin." He stepped aside, bringing their hands together. Meena didn't look at Damentan. The king and his family sat, as did his equals across the square.

Damentan grinned at Meena and he raised his free hand up. Meena closed her eyes but raised her own hand up.

Power swirled around them, much like it had back on Earth when she just learned of her friend's passing. Cold bit at everyone as a misty haze covered the square, rising up until they were almost covered in it. Rachel shuddered, the sensation filling her senses and causing pain, until Covron took hold of her hand and her head cleared, protected as she was by his power. Pierce strained against the fog, making out their blurred forms through the mist.

"Before the Gods, I submit myself to you. By the life that resides within me, on the power of hylet, I pledge myself to you." Meena's voice came from the fog and Pierce choked. Sixteen and she was getting married. What was wrong with her father? How could he give up his youngest child to a man his elder daughter described as homicidal? Helen held tight to his hand and he squeezed back, thankful that she was there to hold him back. "For you are the one who will complete me and for all of eternity, I bind myself to you. I…I vow to remain faithfully by your side throughout time. Until I am called by the Gods to return home, you will be my life. Your happiness will be mine, as will your joy and sorrow. I will take away your pain and hurt, I will devote all of my life to you, and my power will be yours to be used as you see fit against our enemies."

Something began to rise from the gloom, a jagged structure they couldn't make out.

"Destined to walk alone until I found you, my other half, I accept you… as my husband." Gwen bit at her lip. If this hadn't been a forced marriage and if the bride in question wasn't being threatened with a war, she thought the vows might be a little romantic. Aside from the whole 'you will be my entire LIFE and I am here only to serve you' thing that seemed to be going on. What was wrong with this family?

"I accept you as my partner, someone to walk with me through the ages."

Seriously? That was it? He doesn't pledge anything? No undying love, no fidelity, no loyalty? No protection? Just 'Alright'? Behind the fog, Rachel's eye twitched and her lips pulled back over her teeth. She stopped herself from hissing, but only barely. This was how Meena's princess fairytale wedding was going to play out? With some jerk as her Prince Charming? She'd never been fond of those princess movies, but now she disliked them even more. Realistic? Hardly. Not with this gem floating out here in space.

"Should there be any reason that the Gods should not welcome this union, reveal it now." The King's voice came from their right.

Pierce rose, one of his spikes growing and ripping through his shirt—hence why he never wore long sleeves—and he threw it in between the two, hearing something crack and then shatter to the table and floor, dropping down the stairs.

The mist abruptly dissipated, the crowd gasping in outrage. He stood calmly, something Ben marveled at. He just ruined a wedding, after-all, he should be fleeing for his life in any normal circumstance. Meena and Damentan had since broke apart, the beginnings of a smile on her face while he looked about ready to kill. Ice glistened in the sunlight, broken and shattered at their feet.

"Pierce?" The groom's glare only deepened as he shot her a dark look. She ignored him, taking a step down the stairs.

"Meena." Manny groaned. So they were gonna be all cute and pretend like this was some epic romance movie? Bah. He wished he could have just stayed at home if this was how it was going to play out. Helen and Gwen frowned at him.

Her father rose slowly, anger evident on his face. It dawned on her then, what he had just done. Her hands rose up, covering her mouth, something akin to horror in her eyes. She looked to her father in a panic. "F-father—"

"Silence." Her mother looked disappointed and her sister closed her eyes. Syvin glowered at Covron and Rachel, who was restraining herself from squealing at the current events. "You who seeks to ruin this match, step forward." Eyes turned to him as he made his way towards the King. Rasavas watched him, something telling him that she didn't approve of what he had just done. But she was grateful, nonetheless.

Meena's groom, however, was not.

"You…" Meena winced as he took hold of her arm, pulling it back painfully. She turned her head, watching him from the corner of her eye. "You planned this, didn't you?" He hissed at her. Pierce shifted, the quills on his face growing in his anger. "If you think some stupid act will simply stop this war, you're sadly—"

"Let go of her." He sneered at Pierce, golden eyes narrowed in rage. Meena's own eyes were closed in pain, his hold tightening. Pierce brought one arm up, one of the quills growing until he broke it off. "Now."

He pushed her away and she stumbled, Rachel catching hold of her before she could fall. The Felilis-hybrid snarled at him, but he paid her no mind, focused solely on the opponent before him.

A cruel smile spread over his features.

"Agio, this was not what we agreed upon!" His Minister roared out. He didn't care either way; war meant more destruction upon their enemies and the union meant more power to him when they were united.

The King rose slowly, watching the two men glaring at each other. "Nor was it what we agreed upon." Murmurs were tearing through the crowd, many looking back at those who didn't belong—that is, the Plumbers. "D'Aurora, explain this to me." Meena held tight to Rachel, gazing back at her father in fear. Agio watched her for a moment before he let out a disgusted breath. "I see. Is this what you choose, Daughter? A human over your own people?" Tears welled in her eyes and her nails bit into Rachel's arms. Rachel twitched at the pain.

"F-father, I didn't—"

"Human, you've come all this way for her?" Pierce straightened, gazing at the King in contempt.

"This marriage, or whatever you call it, is a sham. All you had to do was put aside your pride and apologize. Instead, you argue and bicker and finally sacrifice your daughter because she was right and you were wrong." Outrage flew around the courtyard and Damentan raised an intrigued brow. Helen smacked a hand to her forehead while Gwen looked pained. The boys, however, were rooting for Pierce. Never before had he been so bold. Or angry. Perhaps he'd found that special person.

The royal family was not amused.

"P-pierce!" Rachel hushed Meena before she could scold her kinda-sorta-not-really-but-should-be-boyfriend.

The Minister pressed his lips together, watching the proceedings in interest. He'd never actually met a human, but they were similar to some species, or so he'd heard. And now here was a mixed one who had control of his alien parent's powers with no apparent difficulties. Perhaps he had their durability as well. Regardless, it would be an interesting fight.

"How about you just say you're sorry and we can all get on with our lives?" Now they supposed he was verging on being rude—if not already there— but then again, he was acting like he was dealing with a child throwing a tantrum. The crowd was astounded.

Agio frowned. "Would you fight then to have her?"

"No." Meena blinked rapidly. "She's her own person. I'd ask." She turned scarlet, ducking her head and hiding it in Rachel's shoulder. That didn't go unnoticed by her family, the Minister, or her prospective husband. "And even then, not now. I hardly know her." Rachel snorted.

"And yet," Agio looked back at his eldest, "that's not what my son tells me, human. You've known her for some time. She did save your life, after all. Twice, as I understand it." Pierce gave him that, but it's hardly like they were dating during that time. For the most part, he felt like he was unconscious for the majority of it. "Or are you telling me you have no affections for her?" Pierce averted his eyes, not necessarily wanting to answer that question. Fasea, oddly enough, took pity on him.

"Agio, calm." She rose, brushing her fingers against his arm. "You know your answer. And you know tradition." He gave a nod to his wife and looked across at the Minister. "Human, would you fight for her?" Pierce scowled, not wanting to answer that either, but it's not like he really had a choice.

"Of-course he would. He loves her after all." Meena looked up in horror at Rachel. "What? I'm telling the truth."

"So you are, Felilis…" Pierce glowered at her, promising pain. "Damentan," the Queen called for his attention. "Would you fight for her?" He held her gaze for a moment before turning to his leader. Fasea looked to the Minister, her expression calm. "Minister, what say you?" This was the greatest quality a Queen could possess, that of a peace weaver. She might come off as hard, but she did care for her children. But royalty lived and survived solely because and for their people. Peace would be found at any cost.

"Perhaps a better solution can be found."

The audience was in for a treat; never before had they been witness to a tradition almost come to life(a fight for a wife) and a peace meeting.

"Yes. Perhaps it can." Agio stepped off their dais as the Minister and his councilors descended theirs. His wife and children followed after him. They met in the middle, Meena, Rachel, and Covron between the two groups while Pierce and Damentan resided before them.

"Damentan, stand down." The man straightened, retreating to the Minister's side. "Our original agreement could—"

"Denied." The Minister frowned at the King while Meena bit at her lip. Fasea rested a hand on her husband's arm.

"A compromise, Minister? Of the original agreement?" Agio narrowed his eyes on his wife, but she continued. "True, the Tuarlo and the Matara were once one and the same, but that cannot be said once more. Too much time and changes have passed. We once were separate, but equal, the same, yet different. That can be had once more." The Minister looked interested, her husband did not. "Minister, the generations of war have not been easy for your people. Under our control is an outpost, a colony. It is mostly abandoned, but kept for emergency situations. Rass. Should these conditions appeal to all, it is yours." There was silence as the Minister and his Councilors discussed this prospect. Meena hardly dared to hope, but so far, miracles had happened. The "happiest day of her life" was stopped, she was rescued by her friends, and it was all but said that someone loved her—of-course, Rachel had said it, but he hadn't confirmed it.

"And what conditions are these?"

"The war will stop. Immediately. The hostages are to be released. The death of one will be compensated for," Meena's eyes watered at the thought of Xantres, "And your militaries will be demolished. You will have no fighting force to speak of except for a small reserve of five hundred, the purpose of which will merely be for the possibility of attack from others. Should you show any aggression in the coming months…" Fasea paused and the Minister was interested to see where this was going. If everyone thought the Tuarlo was the war-loving opposites of the Mataras, they should look closer at the 'peaceful' race. "We will attack with the full force of our people."

He understood the meaning behind her words and he bowed his head in acceptance.

"Do we have any guarantee you will not attack us, given your conditions of a nonfunctional military force?"

"Of-course. Desara?" The eldest daughter moved to step up beside her mother and Agio's lips pulled into a frown.

"Fasea," His tone was that of warning.

"Agio, do you not accept these terms I've laid out?" Desara closed her eyes momentarily before moving towards Damentan. "Daughter?"

"I'm interested in their customs and culture. I'm curious to see if they are so different from ours. I will go." Meena's former groom grinned, his teeth flashing as his eyes glowed. Agio's face smoothed as he took in his wife's plan of giving their daughter away—the one who he refused to give up in the first place. She was the best of all their children, after-all. "Perhaps, in time… another Alliance can be attempted." She all but said she would be willing to marry the maniac for her people. Which would work out for him—she's what he wanted after-all.

"Agreed." Agio reached out a hand and Desara's fingers touched against his. He pulled away and faced those gathered for the once happy wedding ceremony. "Hear me now: The war is over and peace has been found." Deafening cheers exploded across the courtyard.

A smile on her face, Meena pulled from Rachel, moving down the steps to rush towards Pierce, throwing her arms around him. Rachel scoffed, crossing her arms and shaking her head. Pierce held her just as tightly before he pulled back. "I'm glad that's over."

"Thank you, Pierce. Thank you so much." He looked away, rubbing at the back of his head, noticing that she had dropped the 'Mister' part she had used for so long. She smiled up at him, a blush reaching onto her features once again. "Maybe I'll come visit you back on Earth, once this has all settled down."

"I'll look forward to it."

"Dear God, kiss her Pierce! Jeez, you save the Princess and all you're gonna do is sit there and twiddle your thumbs?! I swear!" Rachel huffed out, crossing her arms across her chest. Covron wrapped an arm around her shoulders. It was fun having Rachel around; she was so entertaining. "She saves his life twice and all he can do is say 'thanks'? And now he goes and proclaims his love for her and he does nothing?" The Minister shot her a curious look.

Perhaps hybrids are interesting after all.

"I don't recall ever… Well…" Pierce didn't look at Meena, frowning at his childhood friend instead. "I remember you shouting that out, Rach."

"Oh? But it's totally what you're thinking. And how you really feel. And it's true, don't forget that." Covron had to agree with her. The two had been through a lot and Pierce was most decidedly in-love with his little sister. When would they both admit it?

"Rachel, for once, can't you just—" Meena wrapped her arms around his neck, reaching up and pressing into him, her eyes closing as she kissed him. There was a moment's pause, in which he was trying to establish what exactly was going on, before he responded, leaning down and returning her affection, his arms wrapping around her waist.

"Finally. Thank God. If he kept up with that whole 'no, I can't, it's not right, we aren't dating' and such, I might've just hurt him." She was pleased with this current change of events, even if it took them forever to finally decide that they really did like each other.

"I commend you for your effort and interest in my sister's happiness, Rachel." She nodded, agreeing with Covron's well placed praise.

"Thank you. I try." She was quiet for a few seconds. "Does this mean the kid can come back to Earth? Without being dragged away or threatened?"

"Well…"

"Answer me straight."

"If… Father allows her, yes. She only left due to special circumstances. It might be some time before she could leave again." Rachel frowned up at him, then turned to Meena's father. "Rachel?"

"Hey, Your Highness?" Agio turned to her slowly, a brow raised. She smiled and waved a little. "Yeah, hi, I'm Rachel and yeah, I'm some Felilis. Look, could she come back to Earth? Like, soon?" He decided to humor her.

"Why?"

"Well, long distance relationships are great and all, but contact is needed you know. And it's taken me like forever for them to finally admit they like each other. How else will I be able to harass them if she can't, like, ever come back? And I can't become a Godmother if they don't decide they really do like each other and get hitched in ten years." They broke apart quickly, Pierce glaring up at her and denying that they were going to get married while Meena's cheeks grew scarlet. "Hey, don't yell at me! You totally like her and you know it!"

"I-It doesn't mean I'm going to marry her! And who would ever trust you to take care of children?" Agio gazed at the two curiously. Fasea smiled, wrapping her hand around her husband's arm once more.

"I can see the girl does have a point." Meena choked while a strange look came over Pierce's face. "Daughter, if you so choose, you may return to Earth with your… friends."

Rachel looked all together too proud of herself for Pierce's liking.

And chapter 17~!

I'm thinking I'm just gonna end it here. Because I really like this ending! Of-course, I could always continue and get them back on Earth, but I do like how this turned out…

Not sure, not sure… hmmm…

Well, this might be the end, or it might not!

Until the next time(maybe)!