Showa Chronicles

Interlude: The Spider and Mantis' Union

Shinichi and Rena had just sat down for dinner with their family when he heard a ringing in his head.

"Sorry, I need to take this call," Shinichi told them. He put his fingers against the spot behind his right ear where the comm implant was. "Shinichi speaking."

"Hey, Shin," Michiru called.

"Hey, Michiru. How are you?"

"Great and I've got even greater news! Hana-chan and I are getting married!"

"No way!" Shinichi smiled excitedly, happy for her. "That's great, Michiru!"

"Isn't it? I mean, we've been together like forever. It just feels natural that we take this next step in our relationship."

"Well, you have my support and I wish you the best."

"Thanks. Say, Shinichi, I know this is a bit sudden, but would you like to be my Best Man?"

"Seriously?" Shinichi blinked as he had not expected that. "You want me to be your Best Man?" This caught the interest of everyone at the dinner table.

"You did help me and Hana-chan get a second chance at life, even though we uh, did try to kill you. Never really found a way to properly thank you."

"Actually, it was Hanyuu who convinced me to spare you both," Shinichi reminded her.

"Yeah, she convinced you to spare us but it was you who gave us a chance to live our lives together," Michiru pointed out. "So, would you please be my Best Man?"

"It would be my honour to be your Best Man," Shinichi accepted, smiling warmly.

"Oh, thank you! Thank you! This is going to be great! I'm gonna call the others! Bye!"

"Bye." Shinichi ended the call and saw everyone looking at him curiously. "That was Michiru. She and Hana are getting married."

"Really!?" Shiori, Hanyuu and Rena gasped.

"But aren't they both girls?" Kasai asked.

"Yeah, so what?" Shiori and Shinichi responded, giving him challenging looks.

"...And I'm happy for them. Congratulations."

"Nice save," Rika smiled as Kasai just dodged a bullet.

Michiru ended the call and cuddled with Hana on the couch. The two had just made hot and sweet passionate love on it. Hana's webbing covered the living room but neither cared about the mess they had made.

"Shinichi said yes to being my Best Man," Michiru said. "So, have you picked your Maid of Honour?"

"I was thinking of asking Misato," Hana told her.

"That's cool of you," Michiru smiled.

"Are you going to tell your grandmother?" Hana asked and Michiru stiffened as her smile fell. "Your grandmother doesn't know you're gay, does she?"

"No, and I don't want to disappoint her or give her a heart attack but I really want her to be at our wedding," Michiru answered.

"Then call her. She's your family. She deserves to know."

Back in Kyoto, Junko was closing up her teashop for the evening when her phone rang.

"Who could this be?" the old woman asked as she picked up to answer the phone. "Hello?"

"Hi, Obaachan," Michiru called.

"Oh, hello, Michiru-chan," Junko smiled. "How are you?"

"I'm fine, Obaachan. How about you? How have you been?"

"Oh, I'm just fine too. Still running the shop if you're asking."

"Shouldn't you, you know, retire and hire someone else to run the shop for you?" Michiru asked, concerned.

"Oh, nonsense. I'm still spry in my old age. So, what's the good news?"

"What makes you think there's good news?"

"Oh, I know from the tone of your voice so please, tell me. I'm not getting any younger, Michiru-chan."

"Obaachan, I'm getting married."

This surprised Junko who smiled at the good news.

"Oh, who's the lucky man?" Junko asked, smiling. She didn't even know her granddaughter was dating anyone.

"It's not a guy, Granny. It's Hana-chan."

This news caused Junko's smile to fall, not out of anger. She was just surprised.

"Oh, I see," Junko responded neutrally.

"Sorry if that is not what you were expecting, Obaachan," Michiru apologized. "I know how old-fashioned and traditional you are."

"Michiru, I'm an old woman and I don't have many years left in me. I indeed wish to see you get married but at this point, I'm too old to care about your preference. Just, tell me, does she make you happy?"

"Yes, Obaachan. She does."

"Then that is all that matters. You have my blessing."

"Oh, thank you, Obaachan! I'll send somebody to pick you up for the wedding!"

"Have you decided on a venue?"

It was several months after Michiru and Hana announced that they were getting married and it was now June. The wedding would be held on a beach in Okinawa. It would be a private ceremony for close friends and family only.

The NEO-NUMBERS were busy setting up the venue, all dressed in nice suits. Shogo was supervising.

"Alright," Shogo spoke as he checked his clipboard. "Yokoshima, how do the chairs look?"

"The chairs looked great," Yokoshima gave the OK sign as he was assigned to set up the chairs for all the guests.

"Good," Shogo checked it off the list with his pen. "And the arch." He went over to see Chiaki finish assembling the arch. "Good craftsmanship, Chiaki." The gentle giant nodded as Shogo checked it off the list. "Daichi, how are we on music?"

Daichi had a DJ station set up and was checking the speakers.

"Sound system looks good," Daichi said with a thumbs-up.

"Alright, we're good with music," Shogo checked that off. "Now, the food and beverages." He went over to the buffet table and smiled in satisfaction as everything appeared to be fresh and covered in plastic. He also checked the punch bowl and briefly uncovered it to taste it. "OK, we're good with food and beverages."

"Hey, what about the cake?" Yokoshima asked.

"Shinichi's gone to fetch the cake," Shogo answered. "I'm gonna go check on our happy couple." There were two tents set up for the bride and bridegroom. The purple one was Hana's tent while Michiru sat in the pink tent.

Hana sat in front of a dressing mirror as Misato did her makeup. She had asked the vampire to be her Maid of Honour for the occasion.

"You look beautiful, Hana," Misato smiled.

"You really think so?" Hana blushed.

"And so does your smile."

"I'm smiling?" Hana looked back at the mirror. "I never noticed."

"Oh, well, this is the happiest day of your life. Finally tying the knot with Michiru," Misato giggled.

"How's everything going here, ladies?" Shogo asked as he entered the tent.

"Oh, she's almost ready," Misato answered optimistically.

"OK, that's good. I'm gonna check on Michiru," Shogo told them as he exited. He nearly bumped into AI-Shin, the sphere droid almost flying into his head. He ducked and turned to glare at the droid. "Watch where you're flying!"

"Geez, sorry!" AI-Shin replied, oddly sounding like Shinichi. "I just wanted to tell you there's still no chance of rain."

"There better not be. We've been planning this wedding for months. Everything has to be perfect," Shogo said sternly.

"Chill out, man. You're not the one getting married. And your wedding wasn't exactly planned, either, in case you've forgotten."

"No, I haven't," Shogo admitted. He remembered marrying Lucifer in the middle of battle, blessed by Hanyuu. He had asked Lucifer if she ever wanted to try again with a more traditional wedding. She had declined. Getting married in the middle of a battle was a way more exciting story, to which he agreed.

A blue portal opened up as Shinichi appeared on the sandy beach with the cake.

"Got the cake!" Shinichi announced. It was a beautiful triple-layered cake that was covered in pink frosting. Sitting at the top of the cake were two candy figures shaped like a mantis and spider. He carefully carried the tall cake over to the table and set it down. As the Best Man, he was also dressed sharply. He wore a suit with a bowtie, a white dress shirt, black pants and a tailcoat.

"Thank you," Shogo said as he checked the cake off the list. "So far so good."

"You're really taking this wedding organiser job seriously, huh?" Shinichi asked.

"When they asked me to help organize their wedding, I knew I had to do my best," Shogo stated proudly.

"Well, you are the most organized among us," Shinichi praised when he saw the venue. "And this is a nice setup. The arch is a nice touch too." He then saw the banner that hung over the arch. "Why does the banner say: 'Congratulations HanaMichi'?"

"It's their names put together to signify their union," Yokoshima answered. "It's supposed to be romantic."

"And the guests should be arriving soon," Shogo checked his watch. "Are we going to use the Teleportal?"

"I think we might want to avoid nausea," Shinichi advised. "You know how some people can't handle walking through that thing. We don't want people to start throwing up as soon as they arrive or go temporarily blind."

"Yes, those side-effects are the worst," Shogo agreed.

"Instead, I asked Alan to pick up the guests and bring them over," Shinichi added. "I'm sure they'll appreciate travelling in style."

"Let's hope he doesn't show up late."

"It's a time machine, Shogo. How could he possibly be late with a time machine?"

"I guess you're right. Do you mind checking up on Michiru for me? I need to double-check everything."

"You got it, Captain," Shinichi saluted. In a blink of light, he teleported into Michiru's tent. "Yo, Michiru!"

"WAAAH!" Michiru yelled, jumping out of her chair and nearly jumping out of her skin. "Shin, don't do that!"

"Sorry, sorry," Shinichi apologized. "I'm guessing you're a bit nervous, huh?"

"Well, wouldn't you be?" Michiru asked. "Hana-chan and I are getting married, for real. It's just...I've got butterflies in my stomach and my hands are shaking! Look, they can't stop shaking!"

Shinichi gently grabbed her hands to stop them from shaking.

"Michiru, relax," Shinichi urged. "Take deep breaths and relax."

"Right," Michiru nodded as she inhaled and exhaled, gradually relaxing. "Whoo! I really needed that."

"Look, I understand that you're nervous. You're marrying the love of your life. It's your special day and you don't want anything to ruin it."

"I know and I'm just so happy but I'm afraid I'll mess up somehow. Like, say the wrong thing during the vows and everything," Michiru ranted. "Do you think I'm rushing things?"

"You both have been together nearly your whole lives. I say it's about damn time," Shinichi told her. "This just makes it official."

"Well, official with ARMOR. Japan still doesn't recognize same-sex marriage," Michiru muttered.

"Well, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. You're the ones getting married. Not them. You. They can protest all they want but this is your day. Not theirs. You are entitled to your happiness."

"Thanks, Shin," Michiru smiled as she hugged him.

"Anything for my sister-in-arms," Shinichi smiled as he hugged her back. "Now, you should get ready. Alan will be arriving with the guests soon."

"Oh, right," Michiru nodded. "Right, I need to get ready for my wedding. My wedding. Wow, I'm getting married."

"Yes, you are."

Alan arrived with the wedding guests, bringing them on the TARDIS. The door opened and Alan escorted them out. Among the guests were the Gaming Club, Shinichi's parents and the NEO-NUMBERS' significant others.

"Wow," Rena saw the setup. "The venue looks great."

"You have Shogo to thank for that," Shinichi remarked. "He's a great organizer."

"Maybe I should ask him to organize my wedding," Mion quipped. "Right, Kei-chan?"

"Ah, right," Keiichi nodded.

"And thanks for picking everyone up, Alan," Shinichi greeted his brother. "I hope it wasn't too much trouble."

"It was no trouble," Alan replied as he jabbed a thumb back towards his ship. "Bigger on the inside."

"So, did you have trouble picking a date?" Shinichi asked. Michiru and Hana had sent invitations. Each guest was only allowed to bring a single plus-one with them. They needed to RSVP so they could count how many chairs they needed and have enough food prepared for them.

"You really have to ask?" Alan smiled.

"Alan!" came a call from back in the TARDIS. Alan was quickly joined by Lala, carrying a tiny, pink-haired bundle. Her eyes fell on Shinichi and she gave a startled gasp, "O-oh! Shinichi!"

"Hey, Lala. You look like you just saw a ghost," Shinichi greeted.

"R-r-right, a ghost. You're such a kidder, Shinchi. Hehehe..." Lala laughed, trembling slightly. Shinichi stared at her in confusion.

"Don't worry. Lala's just... a bit antsy from things going on back home," Alan assured him.

"Um, sure," Shinichi nodded. He looked at the bundle in her arms. "Hey, is that what I think it is?"

"Yes, Shinichi," Alan smiled. "This here is Lulu Deviluke-Smith, crown Princess of the Devilukian Empire and our daughter." The baby looked at everything around her, curiosity filling her eyes.

"Hey, Little Lulu. I'm your uncle," Shinichi smiled at the baby.

"Hey there," AI-Shin floated over. "I did a perimeter sweep and we're good. No signs of any intruders." The sphere droid then looked at the baby. "Hey, who's the kid?" Lulu locked eyes with AI-Shin and she cooed as she reached out for him.

"Looks like she already has an interest in technology," Alan remarked.

"Is that a baby?" Shogo frowned as he approached. "Nobody warned me they'd be bringing a baby." He did not approve of this.

"Oh, chill out. It's just a baby," AI-Shin admonished.

"Yes, and babies cry," Shogo muttered. "We can't have any interruptions after we've planned this for months."

"It's fine, Shogo," Shinichi assured him and then he looked at the couple. "Lulu's fine, right? She doesn't have any powers that get triggered when she cries, right?"

"Nope, she should be fine as far as powers are concerned," answered Alan.

"And I just fed and changed her," added Lala.

"See, Shogo? It'll be fine," Shinichi said to his friend.

"It better be. I don't want to have to throw guests out," Shogo huffed as he walked off to seat the guests.

"Don't mind him. Michiru and Hana asked him to help organize their wedding and he's taking it really seriously just like every assignment he's given," Shinichi said apologetically.

"It's like the guy's pent up and hasn't been laid in months," AI-Shin remarked.

"Your seats have your names on them," Shinichi told them. "We'll be starting soon."

"I hope it'll be less...eventful than our wedding," muttered Alan.

"Why, what happened?" asked Shinichi.

"There were still a lot of people that weren't happy that the heir to the throne of Deviluke was being taken off the market," explained Alan. "But those people weren't expecting the majority of the Corps to be in attendance. Not to mention Lala's guests."

"Sorry I missed that," Shinichi said.

"Oh, you didn't," Alan said. "Not yet at least. You'll be getting an invitation soon. And trust me, you'll make your point very clearly."

"Time travel, right," Shinichi rolled his eyes. "Don't you get tired of how confusing it gets?"

"On occasion," Alan shrugged. "But, it keeps things interesting."

Hana heard the music as she adjusted her veil. She took a deep breath and got up. She went to grab her bouquet, only to see that she did not have it.

"My bouquet!" Hana gasped. "Where is it?"

"Looking for this?" a girl in her teens with silver hair asked as she offered Hana a beautiful bouquet of hibiscus. She wore a silvery yukata with a black sash around her waist. Hana barely noticed the long twin ahoge on her head.

"Oh, thank you," Hana smiled as she took the bouquet. "Um, I don't think we've met."

"I was just passing through," the silver-haired girl answered. Her eyes looked lazy and she held her sleeve over her mouth in an almost childlike manner. "So, having wedding jitters?"

"Yes," Hana confessed. "I just can't believe it's really happening."

"I'm sure the person you're marrying possibly feels the same way," the young girl remarked. "So, you're not alone."

"I know," Hana smiled. "And now we're taking this huge step together."

"And I'm sure you both know it's the right one," the girl nodded.

"Thank you. You should leave before Shogo catches you," Hana advised the girl. A small squeak came from the floor beside the girl. Hana looked down, noticed what looked like a small purple moose plushie walking from behind the guest.

"Naa?" the moose toy squeaked, looking up at her.

"Ah, Chibimoose," the girl smiled, picking up the toy.

"Who are you?" Hana questioned, now suspicious.

"Let's just say I'm someone you'll see more of very soon," the girl answered with a blank stare, tilting her head as the moose nuzzled her cheek. "Well now, you've got a groom waiting for you, don't you?"

"...You're right, I do," Hana nodded slowly before walking away. She glanced over her shoulder as the mysterious girl went on her way. She decided to worry about it later. It didn't seem like she was here to cause trouble... as far as she knew.

Michiru was already standing at the altar. She was dressed in a pink tuxedo and her hair was pulled back in a tidy single ponytail at the base of her skull. Honestly, she looked like a real 'bifauxnen'. As her Best Man, Shinichi stood beside her. Junko had congratulated her, showing her support for her granddaughter and future granddaughter-in-law. Michiru was just happy to have her grandmother here.

Officiating the ceremony was Antonitis Fenton McCrown, an officer from the King's Terminal and a member of ARMOR. AI-Shin acted as the cameraman, recording a video of the ceremony. The sphere droid considered it an honour.

Hana stepped out of her tent and she looked absolutely breathtaking in her dress and with her bouquet. She wore a deep violet strapless dress with a corset black corset, matching opera gloves, and a flowing skirt that reached the floor. Her dress was decorated with sequins in a spiderweb pattern. Her face was concealed by a dark veil that had a spiderweb pattern too. As soon as she was seen, Daichi played the wedding march.

Shogo offered to walk her down the aisle and the two of them stepped onto the red carpet and made their way to the altar. All the guests watched silently as she approached the altar. Once she reached the altar, she held Michiru's hand as they intertwined their fingers. Both girls were blushing and smiling.

Daichi paused the music so the ceremony could begin.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of these two young women. Now, both our bride and groom wish to exchange their vows," Ant said with a smile. "So, who wants to go first?"

"I do," Michiru and Hana blurted out at the same time. "No, you go first. I insist. No, please, you."

Shinichi had to hold in his laughter as the rest of the guests snickered. The couple became embarrassed and Hana put her hand on Michiru's shoulder.

"You go first, sweetie," Hana urged.

"OK," Michiru nodded and she cleared her throat. "Well, to be honest, I've always dreamed of this day but those dreams had us riding on a pink pony as we fly over a rainbow. Still, that doesn't mean this is any less special. Hana-chan, we've both been through a lot, through good times and a whole lot of bad times. You were my rock during those bad times and I'm grateful to always have you by my side. I love you and I don't care what anyone says. I love you and I want to marry you. Hell, if you had told us to elope, I'd elope with you and get married in Vegas. That's how much I love you."

"Aww~!" chorused the guests. It was just so sweet.

"OK, your turn," Ant said to Hana.

"I didn't technically write any vows. I wrote a haiku actually," Hana said as she remembered her lines. "My dear pink mantis/You brighten my life with joy/Your love shines my life."

"Oh, Hana," Michiru was almost gushing.

"That was so sweet," Lala teared up.

"Alright," Ant nodded. "Do you, Michiru Misami take Hana Nekozawa as your wife?"

"I do," Michiru answered without hesitation and no doubt in her mind.

"And do you, Hana Nekozawa, take Michiru Misami as your wife?" Ant asked.

"I definitely do," Hana affirmed and Michiru's smile widened.

"Please exchange your rings," Ant instructed and the two women exchanged wedding rings." Well then, with the power vested in me by the King's Terminal and ARMOR, I pronounce you both married. You may now kiss." Michiru lifted Hana's veil to kiss her but then the spider girl grabbed Michiru and dipped her as they kissed passionately.

"WOOOOOOH!" Asmodeus cheered as everyone stood up and applauded. "HANAMICHI FOREVER!"

Standing some distance away from the wedding, the silver-haired girl watched the ceremony with a small smile, holding the moose plushie in her arms.

"Alright, time to go back, Chibimoose," she said.

"Naa!" Chibimoose squealed. She turned around and walked away, vanishing in a flash of silver light.

Dr. KRC: I'm happy to announce, as of this chapter, Michiru and Hana are now married. These two deserve to be happy together and it was just so beautiful to watch. I bet none of you expected Michiru in a tux and Hana in a gown, right? Well, I was inspired by the wedding of Ruby and Sapphire from Steven Universe. It also took place on the beach. The only difference is no sudden attack by their enemies. I didn't want to ruin the Mantis and Spider's special day.