The End of Everything?
"..." Celtic took a deep breath. The cool morning air filling her lungs.
"Spring is just around the corner." Bane came up behind her. "What's on your mind, Love?"
"A lot of things." She leaned against him. She played with the pendant as she thought about the visions from the other day.
"Makes sense." He rested his chin on the top of her head. They enjoyed the serenity of watching the sunrise together. "Celtic?"
"Yeah?" She turned to face him. Worry grew as she noted the expression on his face. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong." He held her face in his hands and kissed her lightly. "I was just thinking. Should we get married now or wait? I know we haven't been together long, and engaged even less, but..."
"Wait for a future that might never come?" Celtic had been thinking the same thing.
"Yeah..." They stood in comfortable silence as they thought about what to do. "I know I want to be with you until the day I die... longer if that was possible. That will not change. Married or not, I will be by your side no matter what."
"Bane, I don't know which idea is more painful: getting married now and risk leaving you a widower... or not getting married and risk never having the chance to call you 'husband'." Celtic was really torn.
"I'm not sure either." They stood there looking at each for a while before anyone said anything.
"We may not have been together long, but we've known each other for years. Our connection was always there... Guardian or not..." Celtic looked down at the ring and then back at Bane. "I don't want to risk never marrying you. We should stay positive and plan for the future even if it never comes... but not marrying you now and risk never being able to..." Tears pricked her eyes.
"What are you saying?" He had a good idea as to what she was trying to say but he needed to know for sure.
"It's too big of a risk. It doesn't have to be big or fancy. As long as those we care about are there... that's all that matters. It could just be the two of us and I wouldn't care."
"Celtic, are you sure?" Bane fought to hold in his joy. He needed to make sure she was absolutely positive that this is what she wanted. "Is this what you really want?"
"More than anything in the world." She could no longer fight the tears. Bane hugged her tight. No longer being able to contain his excitement, he picked her up and spun her around. "I take it you're happy with that choice?" She laughed.
"Yeah." He laughed too. "I was hoping you would say what you said, but as long as we are together, I am happy."
"Rain?" Eme came to stand next to her by the window. "Those two are inseparable."
"Something good just happened." Rain replied. "They were laughing... they were extremely happy just now."
"With everything going on, those two can find happiness." Nate said; he'd been watching the exchange as well.
"As long as they are together, they will always find happiness." Awesome came up behind Rain and wrapped an arm around her waist. "That is what will help us stop Ember and his Silence."
"We need to stay positive. We are stronger than the Silence because we stand together no matter what." Joy said. "Nothing is impossible."
"Nate, there's something I've been wondering." Rain thought back to the other day when they banished Blue.
"What is it?" Nate was curious.
"The other day, when we banished Blue, Celtic used all ten elements, right?" That question got everyone's attention.
"Correct." Nate knew where this was going.
"And that caused her to become weak, right?" Nate nodded. "So what does that mean?"
"It means that controlling all ten elements for any length of time could kill me." Celtic answered as she and Bane entered the room.
"Is there any way to prevent that from happening?" Ellie asked.
"No. Breaking the Silence may or may not kill me." Celtic looked at Bane.
"Which is why we've decided to get married now rather than wait until everything is over." Bane announced. The room was quiet as the news sank in.
"Is that wise?" Andy asked. "Shouldn't we be focusing on breaking the Silence rather than on a wedding?"
"I think it's a great idea." Latias said.
"Me too." Eme and Ellie nodded in agreement.
"There's no time like the present." Awesome added.
"Are you sure about this?" Shadow asked. He could understand why they would want to get married now, but at the same time there was already so much going on.
"We thought about it. We both realized what's at stake. We're sure that this is what's right. The future may never come for any of us... but my chances of surviving this are small. I want to do this now... before it's too late." Celtic stated. Bane nodded in agreement.
"I think it's a mistake." Andy said. He did not support the idea. "I think it would be better if you waited."
"I think Celty and Bane are doing what's best for them." Heat spoke up. "They deserve this and they deserve our support whether or not we agree." He glared at Andy.
"Thanks, Heat." Bane said. "We're not seeking your approval. We thought it would be wrong to keep it from you. We're going through with this regardless."
"I don't see what the problem is." Wolfie spoke up. "We could use a little distraction."
"We can't afford a distraction." Andy countered.
"Yes we can." Awesome stated. "It is moments like this that we are doing what we do. It is the moments of joy and love that we are trying to save." He looked at Rain and then at Celtic and Bane. "It is now that I wish I'd had the courage to do what the two of you are doing... the courage to think of my own happiness for once instead of worrying about everything else."
"Awesome?" Rain went up to him.
"Some day, Awesome, you will find that courage. When the time is right for you." Celtic smiled. "It's going to be a small ceremony. Something simple and intimate. If you want to attend, you are welcome to. Even if it's just Bane and I, we will still have the ceremony. It would mean a lot if you were there, but we're not going to force you."
"What time?" Ellie asked.
"Sunset, by the river." Bane answered.
"I'll be there." Nate said. "Awesome is right, if you can't enjoy moments like this in the midst of all the chaos, then what are we doing?"
"Count us in." Joy and Grim said. Adriano and Simen nodded in agreement.
"We wouldn't miss it." Rain and Awesome added. Everyone but Andy seemed excited about the wedding.
"You're making a mistake." Andy still didn't agree with it.
"You are entitled to your opinion." Frost said.
"We should get you ready, Celt." Rain and Eme pulled her out of the room.
"Bane, you're absolutely positive about this?" Nate asked.
"Yes." Bane didn't hesitate.
"She's not pushing this?" Andy asked.
"What is your problem?" Frost glared at the Fire General.
"I just think it's a bad idea. We should be focusing on stopping Ember. You two can get married after that." Andy replied.
"Are you deaf?!" Heat shouted. "Stopping Ember might kill Celt! Haven't you been listening?!"
"..." Andy wasn't sure what to say.
"Heat, it's fine. Andy is entitled to his opinions. Celtic might die... there's a very good chance she could die..." Bane struggled to form words. "You want us to wait until after we stop Ember? That just might be too late..." He walked out on to the balcony.
"Bane?" Awesome and Grim joined him on the balcony. "Are you okay?"
"Are we making a mistake?" Bane sighed.
"Rain, simple, keep it simple." Celtic's laughter floated down to the men.
"What does your heart say?" Grim asked.
"Did you hear her laugh just then? How long as it been since you've heard her truly laugh?" Awesome added.
"You're right. Waiting would be the mistake." Bane shook the doubts from his mind.
"Come on, let's go get ready." Grim said. The three headed to their rooms.
-in the Shadows-
"Ember... all of the crystals have been... activated..." Zazara reported.
"Good." Ember said. "Now we attack the Main Island. With this last crystal, I will be able to unleash the strongest Silence and rule everything!"
"That's... wonderful..." Zazara said.
-back on the Main Island-
"Celtic, you're beautiful." Joy, Bre, Latias, Ellie, Rain, and Eme were standing in the main entryway with Celtic.
"I can't believe I'm getting married..." Celtic couldn't contain the smile.
"I still think this is a mistake." Andy came down the stairs.
"Can't you at least try to be a little supportive?" Joy said. "If not, keep your thoughts to yourself and not ruin this for others."
"You want me to pretend to support this?" Andy countered. "The future is falling apart and here everyone is busy with a wedding."
"The future is falling apart." Celtic agreed. "But there will be a future for the rest of you... it may be a future with peace and happiness or it may be a future with war and hatred. My chances of any kind of future are slim. I know what we're doing is right and nothing you say will change my mind."
"Celtic, you need to be positive." Latias said.
"Exactly my point." Andy replied. "You're so sure you'll die, that you've decided to get married now. What is left for you if you do, in fact, live?"
"A married life with the man I love." Celtic looked at him in disbelief. "If you are so set that we are making a mistake, then I don't want you at my wedding." She turned on her heel and headed outside.
"Celtic, what's wrong? What happened?" Bane held her tight as she buried her face into his chest. When she didn't answer, he turned his attention to the other women.
"It was Andy." Bre said.
"Still saying that this is a mistake?" Frost didn't need the answer to that. Bre nodded.
"She told him she didn't want him at the wedding if he was so set on this being a mistake." Joy added.
"He asked what was left if the two of you got married now and she ended up surviving." Rain explained.
"..." Bane was angry. Celtic's sobs were the only thing keeping him from giving Andy a piece of his mind.
"Don't let his doubts stop you from doing what you know is right." A familiar voice touched Celtic's ears.
"Astraeus..." Rain and Ellie looked at each other and then at the Dusk dragon.
"Enchantress, dry your eyes." Astraeus nudged Celtic's shoulder. "You don't want to ruin your wedding... not when Eos and I have come all this way to witness the union."
"Eos is here?" Awesome asked.
"She is making her appearance known elsewhere but she should be here shortly." Astraeus answered.
"How did you know?" Bane asked.
"The pendant. Celtic's heart called out to us through the pendant." Eos landed next to Astraeus. "I don't think you'll have an issue with the Fire General anymore... at least not when it comes to this."
"Be at peace with this choice, you need to think about yourselves from time to time. You have all been chosen to save the world. Those that left decided to take time for themselves but you all stand here because you answered the call again. You put yourselves last again." Astraeus looked around the group. "Joy and Grim, Awesome and Rain, Celtic and Bane, you have found your other half."
"What about Eme and I?" Wolfie asked.
"Um..." Astraeus wasn't sure what to say. "I'll let Eme explain that. Sometimes people grow apart."
"Eme?" Wolfie looked at his wife.
"Now is not the time, Wolfie." Eme replied.
"Anyways..." Eos changed the subject. "Celtic and Bane, you are making the choice that is right for you. Don't let the worry of tomorrow stop what you are doing right now. If anything, what is going on should make you all realize that right now is what is most important. Live in the moment."
"Archer, marry her now, before it's too late." Astraeus summed up.
"Now, ladies, let's take Celtic over there and fix her up again." Eos said as she nudged Celtic into the distance.
"Bane..." Andy approached the group. "I'm sorry."
"You are entitled to your opinion. Celtic and I are doing what is right for us. It is time we allowed ourselves to think about ourselves." Bane didn't hesitate. "It is not me you should be apologizing to, though."
"I don't think the girls will let you near her right now." Grim said.
"Bane, it's time." Nate interrupted. Everyone got into place. Frost and Heat escorted Celtic down the aisle. Bane lost all train of thought when he saw her. Her dress boasted the colors of her home and was adorned with trinity knots. There was a single cherry blossom in her hair and her bouquet was made up of cherry blossoms, wolfsbane, and roses.
"..." Celtic couldn't take her eyes off Bane. She hadn't expected him to change from his normal, everyday wear but he had. His relaxed, yet formal, suit sported the color of his Clan. The dark red tones complemented the color of the sunset sky. "Hi." Celtic said when she reached him.
"Hi." Bane took her hand from Heat.
"Words don't always come easy, but as long as they are true it doesn't matter how they come." Astraeus started the ceremony.
"We won't take the spotlight from Celtic and Bane, this is their moment, but if anyone would like to say something, the floor is open." Eos said.
"I haven't known either of you for very long, but I know you have good hearts. You put others before yourselves. In the midst of chaos you find happiness with each other. May that always be true, no matter what the future holds." Awesome smiled and pulled Rain into him as she teared up.
"I haven't always been the most supportive of Bane and Celtic." Frost started. "She and Heat are my only family... at least they used to be... I never wanted to see her get hurt, but she has never been happier than she is when she's with Bane. Take good care of my sister."
"Bane, Celtic, may we all find happiness like you have. Nothing is worth fighting for if we don't have happiness." Ellie said.
"Bane, you were so sure that you would spend your days alone." Nate looked at Bane. "I stood by and watched the connection between the two of you grow. I didn't expect this moment; no matter how close the two of you were, I never imagined the Archer opening himself up to someone. Celtic, take excellent care of his heart." Celtic nodded.
"Bane, no matter what happens, I will always be with you." Celtic faced her groom. "You are everything to me. My heart, my life, is yours. Now and forever. No matter what the future holds, we will face it together. I love you."
"Celtic, words don't always come easily for me. Expressing myself, my feelings is not easy. Right now, there are no words that can express how I feel... how much you mean to me. My heart is yours. My life is yours. No matter what, know that I love you. Now and forever." Bane smiled at his bride.
"Seal these vows with a kiss." Astraeus said. Bane pulled Celtic into him and kissed her. Cheers erupted.
"..." Rain sighed. Awesome at her questioningly.
"What is it?" Awesome smirked.
"It's so romantic and beautiful." Rain replied.
"Maybe one day that will be us." Awesome cleared his throat to hide his embarrassment.
"..." Rain looked at with utter shock on her face. Awesome kissed her lightly.
"I said 'one day'... there is something we have to do first." Rain understood what he was saying.
-back in the Shadows-
"Ember... I thought we were going..." Zazara said when she noticed Ember still sitting in the room.
"The future is mine. Nothing can stop me." Ember said as though he didn't hear her.
"You...?" The pieces were starting to fall into place. Zazara was beginning to realize that Ember only cared about himself. It didn't matter what she did, she would always be invisible to him.
"The Main Island awaits my Silence." Ember finally left for the Main Island.
"I have a bad feeling..." Zazara said to herself before following Ember.
-on the Main Island-
"I guess congratulations are in order for the happy couple." Ember approached the group.
"What do you want, Ember?" Shadow growled.
"Well, that was a dumb question." Ember retorted. "I'm here to spread my Silence and rule everything as 'The Lord of Silence'."
"So it's all about you?" Simen asked when he noticed Zazara standing behind Ember.
"Of course it's all about me." Ember scoffed. He revealed the crystal and activated it. The sky turned a blood-red as the Earth began to shake.
"The time has come. You have to destroy all the crystals at the same time. Mistresses and the Generals, report to your respective Islands. Master General, you too. This is why you were chosen. Bane and the Enchantress will stay here." Astraeus commanded. Everyone did as they were told.
"..." Celtic began to glow as she channelled one element after another until she was channelling all ten. Bane kept alert to any outside harm that might befall the Enchantress. Sensing that the others were in place, she pushed the energy towards the crystal.
"..." Zazara watched as Celtic tried to destroy the crystal.
"You will not defeat me!" Ember shouted.
"Celtic, hang in there. You are strong enough." Bane supported her. Zazara realized that, though she enjoyed being on her own, she also wanted to feel like she belonged... like she was part of something bigger.
"No!" Ember shouted as the crystal shattered into a million pieces.
"Celtic, we did it!" Bane turned his attention to his wife. "Celtic?" He caught her before she hit the ground.
"Hi..." She sounded weak. "Never forget... that I..." Her breathing was labored. "I will always be with you... I love you so much..." Her eyes closed.
"Celtic!" Bane buried his face in her hair. "You are not allowed to leave me."
"..." Zazara watched the grief cripple the Archer. "What... have we done..."
"My plan! You ruined everything!" Ember lunged at Bane and Celtic. Zazara stepped between them. "Move!"
"No..." Zazara drew her sword. "You've caused enough pain..."
"You helped." Ember spat.
"Now... you give me credit..." Zazara looked over her shoulder. "Too... late..."
"They will die!" Ember lunged for Bane again only to be stopped by Zazara's sword.
"You're done..." Zazara said as Ember fell to the ground. The life drained from his eyes.
"Why?" Bane looked at Zazara. Tears still flowing down his face.
"He... only thought about himself..." Zazara turned to face Bane. "Is she...?"
"I don't know." Bane choked.