Chapter 193:

In Matrimony

-Love takes on many forms. Sometimes it's simple and sweet. Like lovers looking over an idyllic land as a peaceful breeze blows gently by. Other times, it's deep and primal. Like flames merging together into an inferno, setting ablaze all around them.

It is pure and innocent. As a kitten plays with a ball of string, so too does love play with our hearts. Spontaneous eruptions of emotion and desire brought on by a connection that can't always be explained, but when it is, it's as beautiful as the stars in the sky. As bright as the sun shining down around us.

It warms us. Makes us feel safe and wanted. It is a weakness deep in our very being that gives us the strength of titans. It allows us to persevere when all hope seems lost. It is a comfort that not many of us are able to find. It is something that most seek.

Yet, it is when you least expect it that you often find it. A love so strong, so pure and true, that it envelops you in its caring, rough, and terrifying embrace. For when you have true love, you're always afraid to lose it, but that is what makes true love so wonderful.

It's a love so true that it sees you through even the hardest of trials and tribulations. Even that fear of losing it. When you're in the arms of the one you love, everything just seems right in the world. The person, or persons, that you can spend the rest of your life with.-

"Today, we bring together four souls who have found such a gift," the Officiant, a kindly older Orc man with a deep, smooth voice proclaimed to all those gathered, a preamble to the coming ceremony.

They were in white robes that seemed to drown his physique, making him appear larger than he probably was. A black stole scarf hung from his shoulder embroidered with intricate golden designs of a ceremonial nature. He wore oval, wire rim glasses that perched on his nose. Grey-blue eyes looked out from behind them.

His white hair was balding, with it being thicker on the sides. His dark, yellowish-green skin slightly wrinkled around the areas where the face naturally creased. His tusks just barely poking out from under his lips.

Jace stood in anxious excitement nearby. A nervousness that ran deep through his bones. A pristine white tuxedo with golden accents. His hair was done up in his typical style. Displayed prominently, hanging from his chest was the ring his mother had given him. At his left hip was the sword Balek had gifted him.

Beside him was Balek, resplendent in a pristine white tuxedo with red accents and a black vest underneath. His old Nobles uniform that he took out just for this occasion as it doubled as formal wear. It was also a little symbolic, representing his ties to the Rosemist Family while not outwardly supporting them.

Politics were an insane, and downright convoluted system that Jace didn't think he'd ever understand. Even while the Rosemist Family attended the wedding, it was something about how St.Claire Industries couldn't outright show support for the family. Even so, their presence here would make a huge impact and act as a sort of buffer to their enemies.

Jace's head hurt even attempting to think about it, and so focused on the day at hand. Summer had gone by quickly, already into mid-Autumn as a date and place was set. October 27th within a large atrium in one of the parks protected by Azure Inc. and St.Claire Industries.

The security was tight, though no one would be foolish enough to attack a place where four Paragons were gathered. Rachel sat in the front rows of the venue, both arm in arm as they smiled up at him. He gave them a small, acknowledging nod.

They looked good in their formal chemise dresses. Briana's a cute light blue with long, loose sleeves while Rachel's was a darker, more maroon red with a silky sheen. They almost perfectly matched, even their hair was styled in a loose side braid, though on opposite sides. It was honestly adorable.

Natural lighting came in through the opaque glass ceiling, filtering down among the gathered crowd and decorations. Vines rose among the pillars of the atrium, rising and twisting upwards. White cloth banners hung between the pillars with flowers of pastel hues woven among their fabric.

It was a very fairytale-esque aesthetic. Jace had made sure that today would be cloudy, though still sunny. He liked the rain, but today was the day for light and to make it more pleasant for those who had come to celebrate today's occasion.

Nobles that Jace knew from Radiance sat spread out among the cushioned pews before the altar, upon which three bouquets of flowers rested, and the raised platform where Jace stood while waiting. They wore more toned-down formal wear of a darker variety to hide the fact that they were Nobles. They were still a gang, after all. This wasn't a private affair.

Even if people knew of Jace's affiliation with them, this was still all for appearances. They weren't here as Nobles. They were here as friends and people who knew him growing up. This was the same for some Vixens who had arrived with Jace's Aunt Zahra. They hid their tattoos and sat with behind her, same with Gabriel and Gloria, for Aunt Zahra was in what was reserved for family in the front row near Rachel and Briana.

The rest of the guests were definitely unexpected, but welcome. Agatha and her granddaughter Leslie had been invited. They sat near the front in clothes bought for and provided for them by Jace. They had happily accepted it, joining todays celebration among an area reserved for guests of honor.

Leslie and Agatha had even had their hair done. With Leslie's hair in a beautiful crown braid. Agatha had a simple, loose ponytail braid. Jace was glad to see them, as they looked to be doing well. Even Regi was there with his hair combed neatly and wearing a dark suit that he looked all too uncomfortable in.

Agatha swatting his hand as he picked at its collar. Jace couldn't help but smile in amusement at the familial display. Jace could understand the feeling when he wore a suit for the first time. He got used to it, thanks in no small part to the comfortable material the girls always made sure they were made of.

Doctor Gerard and William were sitting together, along with their respective families. Azure Inc.'s representative, Lydia, was among the people as well.

The Rosemist Family, in their own sanctioned area, smiled fondly up at the place where Jace was. He could see Evelyn barely able to keep her excitement in check. She had finally gotten over her pouting about not being able to be the flower girl.

While there were disguises, it would have been difficult to explain the Princess's absence when both her parents were there. No, the role of flower girl had gone to someone else. Someone that Jace had personally chosen, as it seemed more appropriate, as much as he cared for Evelyn.

The rest among the crowd were various face familiar to Jace. There were several people that Jace had helped over the years. Those that had been saved, like the woman from Little Asia as well as Mr. Chen and his family. Jace noticed something that made his heart smile. The woman he had saved looked much healthier than when he saw her last.

There were several faces like that here and there. From his birthday gift to now, he truly realized just how many lives he had touched. In addition, also sitting in the family section, was Edgar and Kate. Selene's siblings. Edgar in a neat brown suit and Kate in a beautiful green blouse and dark pants. However, Rumi was currently missing.

Selene's oldest siblings, Jacob and Felicity, were also missing. Though for different reasons. They were currently...indisposed for their transgressions earlier in the year.

With all of these familiar faces, there were plenty of unfamiliar faces. At least, Jace had never personally met or seen them. There were a few he saw on television or in ads and other media. After all, they were all government, corporate, or celebrities.

This was a big event that held a lot of political and societal implications because of who was getting married. So, there were many who had been invited based on a hierarchal status among the corporate and professional world. A courtesy as well as an obligation. To do otherwise was to invite strife and tension.

As much as Selene brought fear and hesitation to any who would oppose her, there were limitations to just how far this could go. There were certain formalities she still had to perform. Jace hadn't been too happy about it at first due to him feeling she was being forced, and she was very close to giving in and not inviting them, but after he thought about it he knew that it would just cause headaches in the long run.

Today was supposed to be a day of happiness, where after he could enjoy some calm, quiet moments with them. This would be ruined if they disturbed the waters of high society. Jace, for all his hate of politics, knew how to give concessions. Compromises could be made, especially on a day like today.

If anyone were to ruin it, he'd bring nature's fury down on all of them. Thankfully, everything was going smoothly, unlike the past few months. He had been very, very busy making sure that everything was prepared for today.

One thing in particular. Something that he had worked hard to achieve. It had taken him, Rachel, Liana, Kiera, and Selene to make it a reality. He smiled, for what he had worked on would soon be revealed, as the ceremony was starting in full, and the music began.

From the opposite side of the room, down the long white carpet, appearing first was Rumi. She wore a very adorable pink and white gown. She was nervous, but stood proud. Her hair done up in a half-bun and icy teal eyes sparkling.

She walked with a basket in arm to the piano music playing over the crowd. From this basket, she tossed cherry blossom and rose petals out onto the pathway. Shortly after, Selene and her mother, Olivia, appeared and followed behind.

Jace's breath was immediately taken away. It was the first time he saw her in her wedding dress. She, like Liana and Kiera, was showing a slight bump to her belly, yet she still looked absolutely stunning. Her hair up in an intricate bun that wove in with the veil's headdress.

Olivia next to her in a lovely dark green sheath gown. A flat, golden necklace hung from her neck and small, golden bangles around her wrists. He found his face unable to not stop smiling. His eyes fixated on Selene. Happy to see mother and daughter together like this.

After them, just a few paces behind, came Kiera. Her hair down wondrous waves, crowned with the headdress of the veil. Jace's heart soared, for next to Kiera, in an elegant beige gown, was his mother, who had finally grown her hair out enough to be considered a long pixie cut. She shone brilliantly next to Kiera, who was radiant in her own right.

She had chosen to walk in place of Kiera's mother. Typically, it was the father who would escort their daughters down the aisle, but with Selene's father being out of the picture, and Kiera's nonexistent, this decision was made by everyone unanimously. Of course, Balek was next to Jace, so who was it that would escort Liana?

Well, that was what Jace was waiting for. The thing that he, and the girls, had worked on in addition to preparing for this day. It was a must.

It felt like everything slowed down. Balek made a stifled, trembling sound behind Jace. It was a sound of pride and love. For escorting Liana out, was Nadine. Resplendent in a gown of the darkest maroon.

She looked a little different from normal, but it was, irregardless, Nadine. Her flawless fair skin now etched with lines of gold that crossed her beautiful cybernetic violet eyes. Tracing down to her shoulders and disappearing under the gown. These lines even appeared on what could be seen of her arms and hands. Her dark hair like silk, styled in a loose side braid interwoven with a golden string that held it all together.

How this came to be was through the efforts of everyone and a very deep, strong intent as the basis. Utilizing Jace's newfound domain, Kiera's technical skills, Selene's Re-Write to make tech into flesh, and a gift from Rachel's immortality. Imbued together with a strong spell that Liana had carefully crafted, pouring everything she and everyone else had, within it.

That power Jace saw inside of Liana was the clue he had needed to complete everything. Logic didn't apply to Paragons. They created their own reality. Of course, this wasn't something to be taken lightly, and had needed the combined efforts of four Paragons. This was a secret they had to keep close to their hearts, as Jace could feel that this was it. A one last chance.

They would make sure not to waste it.

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One by one, the girls were left opposite of Jace. Olivia, Delilah, and Nadine giving him their approving nod. Some ceremony over weddings had changed with the years. One of them being a sort of hand-off from the one escorting the bride down the aisle.

From there, they each took the one step down off of the stage, down to the family section in the front row. Rumi following them, sitting with Olivia next to Edgar and Kate. At this moment, there was a call for support of this union. For the groom, it was who stood with him, as he was already up there. That would be Balek, his father and best man.

For the girls, there were several that stood to join them. Rachel and Briana, of course. They walked up together proudly, standing behind them. They were not the only ones. Gabriel and Gloria stood, for they were Selene's best friends.

Gabriel in a suit with no tie. A very tomboy-esque feel, but fitting for her. Gloria in a dark grey blouse and black, calf-length skirt. Around her neck was a fanciful grey necktie scarf. They stood next to Briana with a smile.

The Officiant acknowledged their arrival with a polite nod. This was the moment that anyone could also denounce the marriage. To speak up and state why it shouldn't happen.

However, no one said or did anything. No one would have been foolish enough to do so. They all practically dared anyone to try. Their gazes out over the crowd a warning to any with even the slightest notion of ruining this. Once no one did, the Officiant continued.

He began another speech of ceremonial form. It was strangely sobering. During this time, Jace took in each of the girls behind their veils. Though they were slightly obscured, he could see the dark lips and eyeliner of Liana, Kiera's luscious red lips and light pink powder blush on her cheeks, and the gradient of Selene's midnight violet lips.

Selene wasn't one to wear makeup, but today was special and she had wanted to make it feel special. They marveled at him as he stood in awe of them. The Officiant's speech was coming to an end, and their vows were made.

To love and cherish each other for all of eternity. They stepped forward together, clasping their hands with one another. The Officiant then pulled from his robes a golden ribbon woven with red thread. He tied their hands together and chanted some ancient words.

Jace and the girls, as the Officiant chanted, pledged their devotion to one another as a runic circle beneath them formed. The ribbon tightened, growing slightly warm as it glowed softly. Beneath them the circle shone a gentle gold, growing brighter until it was near blinding.

It was at this moment that the light dissipated and the ribbon holding them faded away into nothing, leaving behind only the red string tied to each of them before it too, faded away. The Officiant looked quite surprised at the events that had just unfolded, as there had even been gasps from among the crowd when the circle near blinded everyone.

"My, my..." they mused with a light chuckle, whispering to them privately, "In all my years, that's the brightest I've ever seen the matrimonial circle. True love is truly hard to find these days, but it seems you four have found it. I applaud and congratulate you. This old man's heart is warmed and truly grateful to see such a sight."

Jace's affectionate smile grew deeper, as did the smiles of the girls beneath their veils. They thanked him quietly and the Officiant cleared his throat.

"Today, we bring together these four souls," he called out over the crowd, "They have been bound by ancient oath. I stand as Officiant and acknowledge this union. May you cement your union in love's true kiss!"

Jace's heart raced as he flipped the veils, revealing each of their faces one after another. He started with Selene, kissing her deeply before moving onto Kiera, and finally Liana. Each kiss felt like forever, lost in the sensation and the love they had for each other.

Once they were done, there was celebratory music that played and confetti was thrown into the air. The entire atrium erupted in the sounds of clapping and cheering. From the altar each of the girls took one bouquet.

Rachel and Briana looked at each other with a determined gaze. Nodding, they immediately sprang into action as the bouquets were tossed out into the crowd. Jace watched in amusement as Rachel instantly rushed out. The crowd scrambled slightly, but the two of them were too quick.

They both went after the closest one, with Briana being surprisingly spry and getting ahead of Rachel to grab the bouquet. She stood triumphantly over Rachel, who sulked, playfully glowering up at her. They were adorable.

The other bouquets had gone a bit wild. One went high as he watched it slowly fall and land in Leslie's lap, much to her surprise. As she grasped it, Regi seemed to scoff, mumbling something that seemed like teasing and immediately received a sharp elbow in the side which looked like it hurt...a lot.

The third and final bouquet had gone completely past the crowd. Jace didn't sense any magic upon it, though found it uncanny where it landed. He recognized the red hair and pixie cut even before she had turned around to check the area.

The moment Sasha turned around, there was a bouquet in her face. She was immediately flustered, looking around wildly to see where it came from before it dawned on her. When it did, her face grew completely red. Some of her men teased her, causing her to berate them while at the same time burying her face into the bouquet, casting a glance at him and the rest of the wedding party.

She quickly turned back to her task at hand, though kept the bouquet on her. Jace found him thinking that the guards uniform she wore looked quite good on her. She didn't wear any armor, but instead a formal military-like outfit of dark grey and gold.

He could only sigh. "It seems my life is really going to get busy..." He mused and hoped he could keep up with everything before he was pulled away to the rest of the festivities.

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