Chapter 4

It was almost a week before Michael received notice of when the fight was to take place, in another week's time. Helen was extremely nervous, but Michael did his best to comfort her. While not spending time with his fiancée or sister, Michael spent time with Kalasdozki and Hanson, working a new weapon for the Black Staff. It was basically an upgraded version of the sword he'd used it his last fight in his mech. While Michael was working on preparing for the fight, Helen was planning the wedding. She'd chosen Hisana as her maid of honor, and Hisana had risen to the occasion. The week seemed to fly by, and before anyone knew it, the day of the fight came. Michael was unnerved as he strode into the field. In the back of his mind, he knew his parents' bodies were somewhere among the countless makeshift tombstones. He felt inhuman, standing over the graves of the people who had died all those years ago. Several paces away stood a demon equal in height to the Black Staff. The demon was proportionally the same as a human. Next to it, stuck into the ground, was a massive sword. Covering the demon's body was a series of black armor plates. Its face was covered by a black oval of armor. Michael stopped a few paces short of the demon. Then it spoke. "Hello, demon slayer. I am Sin."
"Hello Sin. So, shall we get this over with?"
"Just a moment. I just wanted to inform you that among my people, you've earned a place of honor. All of the demons you've killed were of high status, and their status carried over to you."
"What's the point of all this?"
"I just want to see how you fight." Michael rolled his eyes. Then he pulled his new sword from the socket on his waist. It was twice the length of its predecessor, with a hilt to match. Sin picked up his sword. Both blades spat sparks as they clashed. Michael was faster, but Sin was stronger. The scream of metal on metal rang out in all directions. Michael tired again and again to sweep his blade in a way Sin wouldn't, or couldn't, block. Sin was skilled, and parried Michael's every swing. Then, in desperation, Michael feigned a swing, causing Sin to react, and then brought his sword in the opposite direction, putting it under Sin's throat. Sin started laughing. "Well done human. I've had my fill." Michael lowered his sword, and Sin vanished. On his was home, Allen contacted him of the radio. "Why didn't you kill him?! You had him!"
"No, I didn't. He wasn't even using a tenth of his full power. I was giving it my all. He had me." Michael was embittered by the thought. At the very least, he was consoled by the time he had bought his family.
Michael had problems dealing with the break from fighting. He was out of things to do. Helen became so entrenched in her wedding plans that she barely had any time to spend with him. Jana also spent much more time studying, something that confounded Michael. To relieve his boredom, he focused, working on his bike. By the end of the first two months, it was running perfectly. Allen started talking about a bachelor party, but Michael shot him down. Michael had no interest in a bachelor party. Finally, Michael found something to take his mind off the wedding, the baby, and everything else. What Michael found was fishing. Michael began to fill his free time with fishing. At the same time, to stay in shape, he spent a great deal of time in the gym. When he wasn’t working out, he would spar with Allen and Shinji. Occasionally Helen would join him in the gym. Dr. Iuzumia had reluctantly told Helen how she could exercise with risking any harm to the baby. Another activity Michael took to was swimming. One of his favorite exercises was to stay as close to the bottom of the deep end of the pool for as long as he could. Allen and Shinji also joined him in trying this, but they couldn’t stay under for nearly as long as Michael. A few days into the third month, Michael and Allen were sparring again. They stood opposite each other in matching white robes. Michael’s fighting style focused more on kicks; his primary fighting style was Tai Kwon Do. Occasionally he would mix in moves of Capoeira. Allen focused much more on his upper body, and as result fought more like a boxer. Shinji was sitting cross-legged on the side of the room. Neither Michael nor Allen was using protective gear. Allen threw a wild punch, but before it could hit Michael, he dropped down to the ground, and brought his right leg up in a sweeping kick to Allen’s chest. Allen grunted slightly, but then grabbed Michael’s leg, and lifted him into the air. Michael bent his captured leg in, and at the same time kicked his free one out, aiming for Allen’s head. Allen ducked, and the force of the kick cause Michael to flail in the air as his held ankle twisted. But Allen couldn’t keep hold of the ankle, and let go. Michael then kicked with is now freed leg, landing a powerful kick to Allen's chest while still in the air. Allen stumbled, and Michael flipped himself onto his feet. Allen charged, swinging a fast upper cut that Michael barely dodged, and then brought the same arm down elbow first. Michael did a quick double step away from Allen, and then swept his leg along the ground, trying to take Allen’s legs out from under him. It worked. Allen hit the ground, and Michael was on his feet. Michael brought down a powerful axe kick, but Allen rolled away just in time. Allen was on his feet before Michael could attack again. They moved in unison, Michael swinging a powerful kick, Allen throwing his strongest punch. Both of them caught the other, and they were deadlocked. Shinji applauded. Michael sat down, breathing heavily. Allen wiped sweat from his forehead. Helen and Jana walked into the room. "Brother! I told you not to fight!" Michael actually stammered as he tried to explain. Helen saved him. "Jana, sweetie, Michael and Allen weren't really fighting, they were just pretending." Jana understood despite the rather simple explanation. Michael got up and gave them both hugs. "What's up?" Helen gave him a kiss. "Didn't I tell you?"
"Tell me what?"
"I'm having my first ultrasound today. I assumed you'd want to see the baby." Michael smiled at her. "Of course. Let me just hit the showers and we can go."
"Okay, just hurry it up." Michael took his shower as fast as he could, threw on a fresh set of clothes, and met Helen outside of the gym. They made their way to the hospital, and Dr. Iuzumia met them at the door. "How are you feeling Helen? Anything odd?"
"Other than all the weird stuff you told me is normal, no." Michael's eyebrows popped up. "Weird stuff? What weird stuff?" Helen looked slightly awkward. "Oh, it's nothing, just nothing." Michael got the message. Iuzumia led all of them inside, and into the room the ultrasound would be taken. She helped Helen onto the bed, and has her lift her shirt so the gel could be applied. After a few minutes they were ready. Dr. Iuzumia used a small gray device which she ran over the surface of Helen's belly. After a few minutes an image appeared on the large screen. Black and white lines intermingled, forming and indistinct blur. "Alright, we're seeing inside the womb, now, let's see if we can't find the baby." After a few more minutes Dr. Iuzumia gasped quietly. Michael stared at the image onscreen, and saw why. He roughly knew that by this time the baby should have a heart. He figured this would appear as a little pulsation on the screen. Michael saw two of these pulsations. Helen didn't see them, but did hear the doctor's gasp. "What is it? Is something wrong with my baby?" Michael put his hand on hers, squeezing it gently. "You mean babies." Helen looked confused. Then she looked at Dr. Iuzumia as if to confirm what Michael had said. The doctor nodded slightly. Helen looked back to Michael, her eyes wide with wonder. "Babies? We're having twins?" Tears sparkled in her eyes as Michael said, "We're having twins." Jana tugged at her brother's shirt. "Does this mean I'm gonna be an aunt?" Michael couldn't hold back his joy, and with a single motion picked Jana up and said, "Yes, you're gonna be an aunt!" Iuzumia ran a few more checks on the babies before giving them a clean bill of health. Michael felt right for the first time in a long time. After everything was done, all three headed home. On the way, Helen's cell phone rang. "Hello? Hisana, what is it? Alright, I'll ask him." She put her hand of the receiver and looked at Michael. "Do you know your measurements?" Michael gave her a look that said, quiet plainly, "What do you think?" Helen shrugged. "No, he doesn't. Okay, we'll see you tomorrow. Right, I'll tell him. 'Bye." She clicked the phone shut. "That was Hisana. We're going to meet her tomorrow."
"What for?"
"My dress fitting and your tux fitting."
"But, what date did you choose? For the wedding, I mean. I left it to you."
"Yes, I remember. Oh, shit, I didn't tell you?! Oh god, it's in a week, honey." Michael wasn't surprised. He'd already called the Halinskis and they'd made the rings for the wedding. Michael rolled his eyes, and said, "Relax, it's okay." Helen looked very relieved. As they continued walking, her phone rang again. "Hello? What is it now? Oh my god, are you serious?!" Helen put her hand over the receiver again. "Michael, Hisana forgot the rings!" Michael laughed calmly, which threw Helen completely off. "I took care of it. Tell her to go to Halinski's Jewelry in town. If she brings up my name they'll have them done." Helen looked surprised. "Okay, Hisana? No, no it's okay, Michael took care of it. I know, it surprised me too. He told me that you need to go to Halinski's Jewelry, tell them he sent you and they'll have the rings. Alright, see you tomorrow." Helen hung up the phone. Then she looked at Michael. "How did you know Hisana would forget the rings?" Michael looked back at her over his shoulder as they walked. "I didn't. What I did know is that she'd find the best place in town to get them, and luckily, I already knew the place." Helen ran up behind him, and after spinning him around, kissed him. After a moment, another cell phone rang. This time it was Michael's. "What? Allen, I will stuff you into one of your own guns if you bother me about this again. I've told a dozen times, no. Allen, please do me a favor and shut up." Michael shut the phone. He looked at Helen. "Sorry. Let's go home."
"Yes, let's." Helen grabbed his hand, and the three of them finally went home. Jana went to bed early, leaving Michael and Helen alone. For a while the sat on the couch, watching a movie. After the movie was over, Helen got up and went to the kitchen. Michael lounged on the couch, and flipped through the television channels. Helen returned with a pair of glasses and some wine. Michael immediately sat up. "Helen, you know you're not allowed to have alcohol." Helen sat down next to him, and after kissing him said coyly, "Actually Dr. Iuzumia told me that as long as I'm very careful not to have more than a small amount, I can." Michael looked skeptical. "I really don't think it'd be good for the babies." Helen kissed him again, this time on the neck. "Come on, I'm sure the babies will be fine. Please?" Michael was torn between his love for Helen, and his worry for the babies she carried. Helen started pulling at his shirt. "Helen, what are you doing?" She smiled with a teasing, seductive gleam in her eye. Now Michael understood the booze. She thought she needed to get him a little drunk before he'd sleep with her. Michael grabbed her hand, and pulled her tight to his chest, kissing her gently and firmly. She recoiled at first, in reaction to his sudden move, but soon she was being more forceful than him. Before he could react she had his shirt off. She traced his muscles as they kissed. His hands ran through her hair and down her back. With his help, she got her shirt off too. With a jerk she pulled him to his feet, their lips still locked. With another jerk, she pulled him toward the bedroom, and as she did she started playing with his belt. Michael, trying to be helpful, kicked the door to their room shut.
Michael was the first up the next morning. After pulling on underwear and pants, he stepped out of the room. Looking at the clock, he saw it was almost eight. He leaned against the wall, reflecting on the previous night. He was fairly certain nothing would come of it, after all, she was already pregnant. It wasn't like they hadn't had sex since the first time, but, to him, this last time had been more than just physical, it had gone far beyond that. He found both of their shirts from last night and tossed the into the laundry room. Then he returned to his room for some clean clothes. Helen woke up just as he entered. "Hey there. Michael, last night was, I don't know, amazing." Michael smiled sheepishly. "It was more than amazing. Now, when are we supposed to meet Hisana?" Helen stretched under the sheets, trying halfheartedly to cover herself. "She said eight-thirty." Michael frowned. "Well then, we've got a half hour to get ready." Helen sat up straight, no longer trying to cover herself. "Oh, my god! We slept in! Quick, take a shower and get dressed, I'll take one after you. While I'm in the shower you can get Jana ready." Michael was already moving, and had already tossed some of her clothes out for her. Twenty minutes later they rushed out of the house. Jana was still half asleep, and Michael had to carry her on his back. They reached the car with five minutes left before they were late. Helen speed whenever she could, but was still careful. Finally she arrived at the dress shop. Michael got out of the car with her, but Hisana stopped him at the door. She was flipping through papers, her typical glasses perched on her slim nose. "Helen told me she doesn't want you seeing her in the dress until the wedding. You said Shinji was to be your best man?"
"Yeah."
"He's around the block, at the shop that's providing the tuxedos. We'll call you when the fitting is done. Yours should be done much sooner, and since Jana is going to be the flower girl, she'll be with us, so after you, Allen, and Shinji are done, Shinji suggested you three'd be going to some...thing." Michael wasn't surprised. After the short walk he saw Shinji and Allen in front of another shop. Shinji waved. "Put your arm down man, It's not like I can't see you."
"Right, sorry. So ready to get his over with?"
"You know it." All three of them entered the shop. After a few greetings and questions, the fittings started. Michael couldn't be sure, since he'd never had a suit fitted in is life, but it seemed like he was being poked with pins a lot more times than was absolutely necessary. They were done in a half hour. Allen was rubbing his posterior. "I swear, that guy was trying to stick needles into my butt." Michael agreed. "Well, I called Hisana and they're going to be there for a couple more hours. What do you say? How about we have some fun?" Allen was all for it, and Michael was cool with it. The first thing they did was get something to eat. After that, they found an arcade. Allen went straight for the racing games. Shinji and Michael double teamed it on several shooting games. All three of them lost track of time, until Michael's phone rang. "Hello?" It was Helen. "Where are you?"
"An arcade, why?"
"We're done here, so we can go now."
"Alright, we'll be there in a minute. See you soon."
"See you." She hung up. Michael grabbed Shinji and Allen and all three of them bolted out of the arcade. They came around the corner near the shop, just in time to see three guys bothering Helen, Hisana, Jana, and Mina. One of the guys grabbed Helen by the wrist, trying to force himself on her. Without thinking, he ran full tilt at the man, and jumped, kicking the guy in the side of the head with both legs. Allen decked a guy who'd grabbed Hisana, and Shinji snapped the wrist of the last guy. The guys regrouped. "Who the fuck are you heroes?" said the largest. He was the one who'd grabbed Helen. Blood was pouring from his nose. Michael grabbed him by this nose, and lifted him to his feet. "I am the fiancée of the woman you just assaulted. I am also the pilot of the Black Staff humanoid weapon. In short, mess with her again, and I'll do more than break your nose, got it?" The guy Allen decked got up and tried to jump Michael, but was knocked to the ground again by another punch from Allen. This guy was the mid-sized of the group. "Why the fuck do you care about these broads?" he asked. Allen stepped on him. "Because the girl you were going to hurt is important to me." He applied more pressure to the guy. The last guy ran at Mina, but was clothes lined by Shinji. "If you're wondering," he said, "I did that because I hate fuckers like you." All three of the guys ran off, nursing injuries. Michael turned to Helen. "Are you okay? Did they do anything?"
"No, no, we're okay. We knew we'd end up having a problem with them, they were hanging around outside the store for a hour. We could have handled them you know."
"I know, I just got carried away. My instincts took over."
"I know, I understand. Look, lets just go home. My parents will be here tomorrow." 'There's good news', Michael thought sarcastically. He'd known they'd attend the wedding, although secretly he'd hoped they wouldn't be able to make it. He also knew that her parents were bringing her sister and brother. Michael didn't enjoy this thought. He would have difficulty dealing with them, he wasn't used to large families. Michael got in the car with Helen and Jana. He near fell asleep on the way home, and when they arrived Helen had to shake him to clear his head. When they finally got home, he went straight to their room and crashed onto the bed. He fell asleep in moments. Helen cradled her fiancée’s head in her lap on the bed. She reasoned that soon enough she would be able to do this, and so decided to get her fill of it now. Her hands played through his hair, gently aligning the hairs, styling his hair over and over. She knew her parents were going to give Michael as much trouble as they could, but thankfully, her sister and brother were always on her side, and would be willing to help her and Michael. As she played with his hair, she felt a small bump from inside her body. It dawned on her that one of the babies had kicked. A sudden feeling overwhelmed her, overriding her thoughts and concerns. It was the expectant feeling, the feeling she knew every expectant mother must feel. She realized, however, that not every expecting mother was as fortunate as she. Some didn't know the fathers of their children, or were left alone to raise a child. Then a thought drifted across her mind. She wondered if her mother had felt what she felt now, this feeling of happiness, of joy. Without thinking she spoke softly into his ear, "I love you." Helen began to feel drowsy, and soon enough was asleep, right next to Michael.
Helen woke up to someone poking her ribs. "Hey, Helen, get up." She knew that voice. "Little sister, get up!" A sharper jab this time drove her to sit up and slap the person who'd jabbed her. "Ow." Helen rubbed her eyes, clearing sleep from them. After she lowered her hands, she looked at the person who'd awoken her. Her brother, who was two years older than her, stood in front of her with a hand shaped red mark on his face. "Oh, James, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean too, I mean, I, oh." James laughed at her. She slapped him again. He stopped laughing. "Alright, enough fun, time to get up."
"I am up."
"I mean like up and out, I was forced to leave Mike with mom and dad." Helen's heart shrank. "Oh, no, you don't think...?"
"No, I know they're ripping him a new one, several new ones if he's unlucky." Helen got out of bed, and dressed. After she finished, she asked her brother, "Where's Maria?"
"Playing with Mike's little sister, why?"
"I thought she'd help to keep them off Michael." James laughed again. "Mike told her to hang with Jana. He wanted to go mono-a-mono with ma and pa."
"Does he have a death wish?! I'm gonna go help...ooh." Helen suddenly felt light headed. "What's up?" The lightheadedness vanished, and she felt normal again. "It's nothing, I've got to save him." Helen rushed out of their room, and into the living room. Michael was sitting in an armchair. Her parents were sitting side by side on the couch. All three of them had glasses of water. The entire room had the air of a chess match. Michael was speaking. "I understand your concern, but I can assure you that in financial terms there is no reason to be concerned." Her father, Kevin Ashton, leaned forward. He was an imposing man, just as tall as Michael, and more than three times as wide. "My concern is not financial stability, but if your financial status will be able to maintain Helen's high standard of living." Michael smiled slightly, and it became apparent to her that, unlike every other boyfriend she had ever had, Michael was winning. He was winning, and not just winning, but winning with style. She knew he'd have an easier time, but she had never suspected that he could win. Michael and her parents continued their verbal chess game for a few more minutes, until Michael raised his hand to stop her mother mid-sentence. Diana Ashton glared at him, until he gestured to Helen and said, "Helen, darling, would you care to join us?" Helen took a seat in an armchair next to Michael's, and put her hand on his. "Thank you, Michael. I hope my parents weren't too mean." At this comment she glared at her parents, both of whom averted their eyes from hers. "Not at all, not at all. We were just having a light discussion." Helen's father stood up abruptly. He straightened his suit and said, in a flat business tone, "I forbid you to marry this man, Helen. He is a reprobate, an uncivilized juvenile, and a criminal." Michael stood slowly, taking pains to express just how annoyed he was with every second. "Mr. Ashton, I have a proposition. A duel of your choice. If I win, you consent to the marriage and don't bother Helen or myself about the subject. If you win, I'll concede and retract my proposal to Helen. My only request at that point is to be allowed to see the children." Her father smirked, he thought he'd forced Michael into a corner, he couldn't have been more wrong. "Very well. I'll even give you a fair chance. We'll fight."
"Fight? Care to specify?"
"No. We'll have to choose and impartial judge, like your supervisor, Professor Hanson. We will be able to use whatever fighting styles we choose. The rules will be simple, no dirty fighting." Helen was nervous, but the look on Michael's face cleaned it from her. "Very well. How about right now?" He father was now unnerved. "What, now?"
"Yes. I see no reason to delay. I'll call the professor and he'll meet us at the gym, there’s respectable sparring arena there." He father was hesitant now. He had become quickly away that Michael was not even slightly concerned. This was not something he was used to. In every field he had applied himself to he had earned fear and respect from his every opponent. Michael was not afraid, he was not even slightly humbled. Michael stood there, almost mocking Mr. Ashton just by being. A half hour later, both men were standing opposite each other. Mr. Ashton had purposefully rolled up the sleeves of his robe to expose his arms. Michael left he robes alone. Mr. Ashton took a moment to flex, posing and posturing, trying to intimidate. Michael did nothing. The professor signaled the start. Mr. Ashton charged at Michael, who was gone. Michael whistled, and Ashton swiveled. Michael was standing where Ashton had been standing a moment before. Ashton put all of his strength into the punch he threw at Michael, who was gone again. Before Ashton could move again, Michael put his hand to Ashton's throat. Ashton let out a slow breath, and then surrendered. "You won fair and square, Samson." Michael removed his hand and put an arm over the older man's shoulders. "Call me Michael. It was never my intention to shame you, or defame you, but understand that no one, not even you, will stand in the way of my drive to give Helen everything she deserves." Mr. Ashton stood up straight, and hugged Michael, nearly crushing him. "Ha ha ha! I had always feared my Helen would never find the right man for her, but now I can rest easy knowing that she has!" Michael nodded his agreement because there wasn't enough air left in his lungs to speak. Mr. Ashton dropped Michael, who breathed deeply for a few moments. Mrs. Ashton walked up, her face a mask. "Mr. Samson. I appreciate the same virtues as my husband, but, If you'll indulge me, I request that you play against me in a game of chess. The stakes will be the same as your fight with Kevin." Kevin Ashton looked at his wife in distaste. "Diana, I agreed to the terms of his proposal..."
"And I did not, Kevin. What do you say?" Michael nodded. "You are exactly right. I agree to your proposal." Michael gestured to the professor, who produced a chessboard and pieces, as well as a table and chairs. Both Michael and Diana sat down at the table and set up the pieces. Michael even gave her the white pieces. In only ten turns, Diana surrendered, completely sure that there was no way to win against him. She stood up, a small smile on her lips. "I should have given up when I saw you had already prepared for this. I guess my pride blinded me, but now I'm sure that absolutely nothing will stop you from protecting Helen and my grandchildren. Michael Samson, I'll be happy to consider you a member of my family." Michael stood up, only to be knocked back down by Helen running into his arms. She was giggling hysterically, small tears rolling down her cheeks. Michael smiled, a perfect harmony filling his heart. Maria and Jana were giggling too. Maria was just a year older than her sister. James was laughing like a madman. In the back of his mind, a voice whispered. He knew it by the coldness he felt as it spoke, and recognized it as a voice long forgotten, gratefully forgotten. It was his voice, just one year ago. It was a voice without life, a dead voice, a steel voice, a voice forged of pure darkness, the king of darkness that could only be found in a soul of the blackest kind. The words it spoke were words he had once said himself. Words he had hoped would never return to his mind. "I am already dead. I feel sorry for anyone who comes to care for me, because I will end up leaving them when they need me most." They were words that he now despised, but he could not escape the almost prophetic tone of his own voice. Then another voice, a calm, gentle voice, soft and filled with happiness spoke in his mind, returning the warmth his voice had stolen. The voice was steady, full of certainty. It was Helen's voice, and it said just three words, "I love you." A strength filled him, crushing his doubts, his fears, and his weaknesses. It filled him with joy. It came from a simple fact, the fact that soon he would be married to the only person apart from his sister whom he loved with all his heart, and that soon after that, they would be parents of two children, just as his parents had been before him. A third voice echoed in his mind. It was a voice he knew, but hadn't heard in ten years. It was his father's voice. The voice spoke with a gentle warmth, a warmth that matched the warmth he already felt. He remembered something his father had told him all those years ago. "Michael, some day you're going to be a daddy too. It's almost inevitable. The son eventually becomes a father, the daughter eventually becomes a mother. I just hope that the girl you fall in love with loves you as much as you'll love her." Michael didn't remember what he had said after that, but in his mind he gave an answer, "She does dad, she really does."
The rest of the week up to the wedding seemed to fly by. Michael started making a habit out of playing chess with his soon to be mother-in-law, and sparring with his soon to be father-in-law. Mr. Ashton had even taken to calling him, somewhat against Michael's will, Sonny. On the eve of the wedding, Helen, Maria, Maria, and Jana all spent the entire day with Hisana and Mina at Mina's home. At the same time Shinji and Allen practically moved in to Michael's home. Allen had apparently been bullied into it, while Shinji had been kicked out of his home by Hisana. According to Hisana, who he spoke to on the phone, this was to allow the girls time to get ready for the wedding. Michael, Allen, Shinji, James, and Kevin spent the entire day playing card games and watching ball games on the T.V. At one point Michael actually had to punch Allen, because he asked Michael, "What is Helen like in the sack?" After a near fatal beating, Michael allowed Allen to rephrase his question. "Do you realize that you'll ever sleep with Helen, ever for the rest of your life?" While Michael was tempted to beat Allen again, he relented, forgiving his friend for his lapse in judgment. "Yes, I know that, and Yes, I fine with that, in fact I am quite possibly overjoyed with that, so quit asking. Good god, I swear your brain isn't in your head but in your dick. No wonder it can beat the shit out of it and you don't seem to learn. I guess I'm going to have to start kicking you in the nuts, how about that?" Allen quickly apologized, and the night went on. Michael was the first to go to bed. He curled up in his bed, and felt strangely alone. It was then that he knew he and Helen were supposed to be, meant to be.
"Michael, get up man." Michael sat up quickly, nearly falling out of bed. "Wh-what time is it?" James helped him out of the bed. "It's five a.m. We need to get down to the church in an hour. I figured you'd want the extra time to get ready."
"Thanks, bro." An hour later, all five guy showed up at the church. It was very conservatively built. There was little in the way of built in decoration, and it was clearly designed to accommodate any religion. This prompted Mr. Ashton to ask Michael, "What religion do you follow, m'boy?" Michael was slightly uncomfortable with that question, because, officially, he was a member of any religion. "Well, my parents were Christian, but they were very relaxed in religious terms. I suppose you could say that I'm a theist."
"An Atheist?! Oh lord!" James calmed his father. "Dad, He didn't say atheist, he said theist. I figure, and correct me if I'm wrong Mike, that he roughly means he can work with any religion, that he's got no real preference." Michael nodded. "Basically, I believe that there is a god, or some other equivalent being, and an after life. Beyond that, I'm not to keen on any religion. I simply believe that if one does more good than harm, they will be rewarded in the after life, and if one does more harm than good, they are punished. I even extend this to life, basically my own take on karma." Michael had spent quite a few years working on this explanation, and he felt it was the best interpretation of his beliefs in words. James, Allen, and Shinji got it, but most of it seemed to go over Mr. Ashton's head. Hisana was already in her dress, despite the fact that the wedding was not scheduled to start until nine. "Hisana, where's Helen?"
"Where do you think? She's getting ready, and she told me that you are not allowed to so much as be in the same room as her until the ceremony starts, understood?" Michael did. "Can I at least talk to her?" Hisana rolled her eyes. "Yes, but not until you're ready."
"Cool. Tell her I be by in ten minutes."
"Not quite. Helen wants you to write your own vows, just like she's doing."
"Ah, shit. Tell her I'll see her tomorrow." Even Hisana laughed at that. She led them to the room they would be using to change. In less than ten minutes they were all dressed, and at Michael's request the other four left the room. He wanted them out for two reason, the one he gave them, that they help with setting everything up, and the other, he wanted quiet to think. If he'd known she wanted him to write his own vows, he'd have been prepared two months ago. At first he couldn't think of anything to say. But soon a thought came to him, and another, and soon a torrent of thoughts and emotions ran though him, and him pencil, and flowed through his words onto the paper. After a while, he had filled a full three sheets of paper. Then a few sentences came to his mind, and in his mind they embodied everything he had already written. He wrote them slowly, choosing each word with a tacticians precision. After a few minutes, he finished them, and as he read them, he didn't hear just his voice in them, but his father's too. Michael had always looked up to his father, even now. His father had been a pillar of justice and virtue, of honor and trust, a shining example of what was right that illuminated every wrong. Michael spoke aloud, not caring if any thought him strange. "Dad, mom, I'm here. I wish you could see Jana, she's become so strong, so independent. She barely even needs me. I guess you already know what today is. I wish you could have met her, I know you’d have loved as much as I do. Can you believe it? Me, a dad. I wonder it you felt like this, before I was born, so, so uncertain. Maybe you were, but I know you raised me alright, so I guess, if a follow your example, I'll do alright. What do you think?" A voice answered from the other side of the door. "I think they'd be agreeing with you right now." It was Helen. "How long were you there?"
"The whole time. You were right, they did raise you right. If anyone can raise our kids right, It'll be you. I wish I could have met them, I'm sure they were wonderful."
"Would you like me to tell you about them?"
"Oh, no. I don't want to bring up things you'd rather not."
"Nonsense. No matter how they died, they'll live on in my heart, and in Jana's, and in the hearts of our children too. My father's name was Matthew. He was, well, perfect. He was smart, and strong, and kind, and honorable, and, and so much more. My mother, Christine, was just as great. She always knew what to say, what to do, and how to do it. She was so, so beautiful. I couldn't have asked for better. We weren't rich, but we didn't need to be. When Jana was born, things only seemed like they'd get better. I suppose I was naive. After that day, I felt empty, almost dead inside. It wasn't until I met you that I started to feel whole again. Now, now I feel even more. These days, the only things I regret are those things I did during that time I was dead. Your father wasn't wrong when he called me a criminal." Helen gasped on the other side of the door. "W-what did you do?"
"To put it simply, everything. I stole, cheated, and even killed. I was arrested eventually, and did my time. Jana was taken care of by the Halinskis, the family that runs that jewelry shop, and II was given time to reflect on my life. I decided that my parents wouldn't have wanted this for me, that I was shaming them with my actions. From then on I decided to only do those things that I could and stay on the right side of the law." Michael still felt sick when he thought of those days. Then Helen's voice reached to him from the door. "No matter what you did in the past, I still love you, and I always will." She may as well have hugged and kissed him. He looked at the clock, it was almost eight. "I'll see you in an hour, Helen. Love you."
"Love you more." She giggled. Michael pulled a small screen out of his pocket. He had wired it to show him the local news, just in case he needed it. To his dismay, he saw an image of the S3 building. Then he saw the front door of the S3 church. Then he saw a reporter standing inside the chapel, and behind her Shinji and Hisana setting up the last of the decorations. The reporter spoke. "Here we are, in the church contained within the S3 headquarters, as the final preparations are being made for the wedding set to take place just one hour from now." The voice of another reporter, likely one in the studio, was heard. "From what I hear, the couple to be are actually members of S3?" The reporter nodded. "Yes, yes they are. According to our source, the groom is Mr. Michael Samson, and the bride is a Ms. Helen Ashton, youngest daughter of the weapons mogul Mr. Kevin Ashton."
"Really? If I remember right, doesn't Mr. Samson have a criminal record?" The reporter in the church was about to speak when a heavy, thick arm landed one her shoulders. Then another, different, although equally proportional arm turned the camera away from the report to face its owner, Major Ivan Kalasdozki. The other arm's owner, Mr. Kevin Ashton spoke calmly into the microphone off screen. "I don't know who your sources are, but you can take my word that Mr. Samson, in spite of anything in his past, is a proper, upstanding young man, isn't that right Major?" The Major nodded, and the camera trembled slightly, which Michael assumed was the camera man soiling himself. "Now, as for what you people are dong here, well, I'm sure if you eave quickly, and are very careful as to what you poke your noses into regarding my daughter and her husband to be, I think I can see my way clear to not suing your network into the ground." With that the transmission was cut off with a crunch that Michael was fairly certain was Kalasdozki crushing the camera. Michael got up from his chair, but his eyes didn't leave the screen. The lead anchor for the news show was now trying desperately to salvage the situation. He shut off the screen and slid it back into his pocket, but not before making sure that a recording of the report was saved on a small hard drive on the screen so he could show it to Helen later. He arrived in the main hall just as Kalasdozki and Ashton were showing the reporter and camera man the door. Michael could just se the crumpled remains of a camera in the camera man's arms. After the door closed, Michael said, "Nicely handled. I don't think Helen and I won't need to worry about being bothered by any news folks." Ashton grinned. "That was the idea." Hisana hurried up to the three of them. "Damn it, where is he?"
"Who?"
"Allen! He told me he was picking something up, and if he doesn't hurry up he'll be late, and I'll have to find an usher to take his place!"
"Don't worry. Trust me, he'll be here."
"Unfortunately I don't share your optimism." She hurried off. Michael walked slowly up the aisles, and once he reached the very front, he sat and looked up at the place he knew he would be standing a just a half hour. The thought of standing for more than a half hour made his legs hurt.
Almost an hour later, the chapel was packed. Apparently everyone in the facility had decided to attend. He could see the Halinskis, and Louis. He was standing up now, fighting the ache in his back and legs. Allen had shown up just in time, with two large bouquets of flowers, one for the wedding and the other for Hisana. After the last person had been seated, the church organist began playing 'Here Comes the Bride'. The doors to the church opened. Jana was standing side by side with James, which was quite funny to Michael. James had been bullied into being the ring bearer by his father. Jana was the flower girl. Shinji was just a few steps behind Michael, and Michael could practically feel his anticipation. After Jana and James were about half way down the center aisle, Helen entered. Michael's mind was silenced. Normally he would be thinking about a dozen things at once, but her beauty was all his mind could handle at the moment. Her dress was delicate and exquisite, beautiful down to the smallest detail. It was strapless and backless, which forced him to ponder how it stayed in place. Her skin looked radiant, and her face was made even more beautiful with the perfect application of makeup. At her right was her father in an expensive looking, pure black tux, in stark contrast to his daughter's all white dress. Her mother was to her left, dressed in a simple, light blue. Hisana and Maria brought up the rear, carrying Helen's train. Jana and James took their seats near the front, as did Helen's mother and Maria. Ashton took his place between Michael and Helen, with no small amount of pride. Hisana took up her spot opposite Shinji, and Helen, lastly, took hers. After a moment, Kevin Ashton released his daughter's arm, and stepped back, taking his seat. The pastor, or priest, or whatever he was began. Michael feigned attention, and he could tell Helen was faking it to. This part, they knew, was more for the benefit of the spectators than themselves. After a while the priest finally said, "And the bride and groom have written their own vows, which they will read now." Michael turned to face Helen, who turned to face him. She started speaking, but Michael was more captivated by her beauty than her words. Michael was touched, to be sure, but after a while, she became slightly redundant. The only thing that stuck in his mind was her last sentence. "As I stand here, looking at you, I see a future so bright, that even heaven itself could envy us, and I look forward to walking this road with you, by your side." Michael was touched at his heart. It was now his turn. He added a little joke at his start. "I suppose everything I'm about to say has already been said, but here it goes. Helen, for a time I was lost in darkness, but your kindness and love saved me from it. My father once told me that it is almost destiny, that a son is fated to one day find his own love, and to wish to be with them forever, and he told me his one wish was that I found love as great as I gave. I'm happy to say that I have found much, much more in you, and that my father can rest in peace knowing I found the one person who could pull me from even the deepest darkness, and that forever with you is still far to short for me." For a moment everyone in the entire chapel was dead silent. Michael feared, for a moment, that they had been offended or something like that. Even Helen was still. Then she reached out and gripped his hands with her own, and through the veil he could see tears in her emerald eyes. Suddenly the entire church rang with applause. Michael's fear once more died. The priest stepped forward again. After a few more minutes, he finally got to the I do's. "Do you, Helen Danielle Ashton, take Michael Frederick Samson as your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do."
"Do you, Michael Frederick Samson, take Helen Danielle Ashton as your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do."
"Then, by the power vested in me by god and the authority of the government of New Tokyo city, I now hereby pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." Michael could hold back a last quip, "You couldn't stop me if you tried." And with that he and Helen lifted the veil and kissed as if for the first time, and in a sense, it was. This was their very first kiss as a married couple. The whole of the gathering rose from their seats and began to whoop and cheer, applaud and shout in joy. Both of them turned and started to run down the center aisle. They were running because Hisana had warned them that Shinji had equipped the entire group with bags of rice to be thrown on the newly-weds. Even running, they were still hit with much rice.
The reception was held in the hangar that housed the robots. To the couple, even the massive machines seemed to radiate a kind of happiness. Michael and Helen had the first dance, but after that, the celebration dissolved into a blur in Michael's mind, he lost the ability to track anything until the end of the party. Helen had fallen asleep. He picked her up, and found James carrying his sister on his back. Mr. Ashton had Jana in his arms. Mrs. Ashton was right behind him. Wordlessly, they walked. In what seemed like a few steps, they were at his door. Helen was awake, her arms around his neck, her head rested under his chin. The door was opened by Mrs. Ashton, who then gestured to Michael and Helen. "Mr. and Mrs. Samson, would you like to go first?" Michael carried her, not just into the house, but all the way to their room. With a little help from her, he got her out of the majority of the bulky dress and into more comfortable clothes, than changed himself. They were both to tired to do anything but fall asleep in each other's arms.