Wedding Day

A Big Turn

A Spin-Off

~Wedding Day~

*Warning: Characters May Be Completely Different*

Zara stood facing the mirror and tugged and teased at her dress. She never really felt comfortable in them. It was something that carried over into her twenties from when she was a little child. They just never felt right. And now on her wedding day she would have to wear one.

She wore a slim white sleeveless dress that fit her exceptionally well. The dress was long enough to make a lovely circular train around her. Her figure was beautiful; she had the Tower and all the missions she had to thank for that. She shifted on her white high heels as she tried to look more comfortable in her dress. Her hair was pulled back and pinned in place with white flower pins. She didn’t have the traditional veil as a personal preference. Also, she wore no makeup. She hatted the way it made her face heavy. Only a touch of lipstick decorated her face.

Zara sighed and leaned against the mirror. What was she doing? Was she out of her mind? What happened to “I’m an independent woman, I don’t get married”? She groaned loudly against the mirror. Suddenly, she felt sick.

There was a knock on the door and both Hina and Vicky walked in. Hina crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. She wore a purple dress and shoes. Hina looked at Vicky who was wearing the same thing.

“She looks like she’s about to die,” Hina stated.

Vicky shrugged and walked up to Zara, “You okay?”

Zara shot up and started walking briskly to the door, “Nope, I am an independent woman and I don’t need a man. I’m leaving.”

Hina blocked the door, “Uh, no, you’re not.”

Zara shot her a dirty look, “I am not getting married to day or ever for that matter.”

“Uh, yeah, you are,” Hina stated.

Vicky rushed to Zara’s side, “It’s okay to feel this way! You’re just nervous! Just calm down and think it over!”

“Nervous?!” Zara turned to her, “I stare down gun barrels for a living! I don’t know the meaning of nervous!”

“Well, ‘walking out on your wedding’ is a pretty good description,” Hina answered.

Vicky looked around Zara, “Hina, you aren’t helping.”

Hina shrugged, “I just giving her a description of nervous.”

Zara pulled away from the group and flopped down on a sofa, “Argh! I don’t know what I’m doing anymore!?”

Hina and Vicky looked at one another for a moment before going over to console her.

Vicky sat beside her, “You’re getting married to the man you love today.”

“That’s another thing,” Zara stated, “I don’t even know if I really love the guy.”

Hina stared at her, “You don’t know if you love him? You’ve practically been dating for seven years! Seven years! And you said yes when he proposed.”

Vicky looked at Hina, “That was cute when he did that.”

“It was,” Hina agreed.

Zara put her hands on her face, “I feel like I’m going to die.”

Chaud opened the door to his changing room and peaked out. He crept out into the hallway and processed to sneak quietly. His white hair had gown a bit, similar to his fathers but not nearly as long. He wore a tan casual suit as he snick down the hallways.

He finally came to where he was looking for. The bride’s changing room. He straightened himself out before knocking on the door. When there was no answer he opened the door lightly to get a peek inside. The door suddenly opened fully and Chaud jumped back startled.

Naru stood in the door way, his eyes narrowed in disapproval, “Looking for someone?”

“Jeez, Naru! What the heck!? You nearly scared me to death!” Chaud tried to breathe normally again.

Naru looked at him, “I know. And what are you doing here?”

Chaud looked a little irritated, “I was just looking to see where they kept the pun—this is the bride’s dressing room! What do you think I’m doing here!? I wanted to see my soon to be wife!”

“No,” Naru stated.

“No, what?” Chaud questioned.

“You can’t see your wife until the ceremony. It’s bad luck otherwise,” Naru explained, “That and Zara might punch you in the face.”

Chaud considered the statement, “I hadn’t thought of that.”

“Of course you didn’t,” Naru sighed.

“Where is she anyway?” Chaud asked.

Naru shrugged, “Hina said something about an emotional breakdown. Something to do with water, throwing things, and—what was it—oh yeah, jumping out of windows. Long story short they took her to the bathroom where there are no windows.”

Chaud stared at him, “Seriously?”

Naru nodded.

“She’s taking this a lot better than I thought she would,” Chaud stated, “Can I go see her?”

“No,” Naru started pushing Chaud back to the changing room he was assigned.

Deontay stood in front of the door with a confused look on his face. When he saw Chaud and Naru further down the hallway he looked to relax.

“Oh good, you found him,” Deontay sighed, “I was gone for two seconds and he booked it. Where’d you find him?”

“Trying to find Zara,” Naru responded.

Deontay looked serious all of a sudden, “Don’t you know it’s bad luck, man. It’s just like the cornbread, you just don’t do it. That and she would have probably punched you in the face.”

“So I’ve been told,” Chaud muttered.

Deontay looked at Naru, “I hear a rumor that she tried to jump out a window?”

“It’s on the first floor,” Naru shrugged, “She wouldn’t have gotten hurt or anything. Come on, Chaud; let’s fix up that suit before the ceremony starts.”

Chaud wondered, “Are there any windows where the ceremony is being held?”

“Quite a few,” Deontay nodded, “Why?”

“Would it be a problem to have the ushers stand in front of them?” Chaud asked, “It’d buy me some time in case she decides to make a run for it.”

“Hmm,” Deontay turned to walk away, “Sounds like a good idea.”

Chaud stood at the wedding altar. It was his turn to feel dizzy. So many questions ran through his mind. Would she be here? Would she leave him at the altar? What dress would she be wearing? Why were the lights so hot all of a sudden? He felt Deontay’s hand on his shoulder.

“You okay, man?” Deontay asked, “You need some air?”

Chaud smiled, “I’m fine, never been better.”

“Oh, boy,” Naru whispered, “He’s panicking.”

“Panicking?” Deontay looked at Naru, “What do we do with a panicking groom?”

Naru shrugged his shoulders.

“Will you boys stop whispering?” Hina whispered from across the aisle, “People are starting to stare!”

“The flower girl is coming!” Vicky warned as Amber skipped down the aisle.

“How did Zara feel before you left?” Chaud asked, “Did she feel okay?”

Hina rolled her eyes, “She isn’t going to jump out of anymore windows, if that is what you’re asking.”

“Guys,” Naru tried to be heard, “we should really stop whispering.”

“But seriously,” Chaud insisted, “what was her state of mind? Was she happy? Sad? Angry? At this point I’d be happy with angry. At least then she has to come up here and smack me.”

“Dude, are you sure it’s a good idea for you to get married?” Hina asked, “Seems a little like an abusive relationship to me.”

“Zara isn’t abusive,” Vicky said.

“She only hit him when he deserved it,” Deontay agreed, “No offence.”

“None taken,” Chaud smiled.

“Uh, guys,” Naru tried to warn the others as the orchestra got into position.

“Great, now people are really staring at us!” Hina groaned.

“No, they are all staring at Zara,” Vicky pointed.

All eyes turned to the back of the room as the wedding music started. Pachelbel’s Cannon in D Major was played by the orchestra. Zara stood in the back of the room, frozen, with a bouquet of white flowers in her hands. She couldn’t seem to move her feet which suddenly felt like concrete blocks. Her breath got caught in her throat and she found it hard to breathe. She felt lightheaded and leaned back. An arm caught her as she leaned. She looked up to her left at her escort.

Puppetmaster smiled down at her, “Are you alright child?”

Zara was out of breath, “I can’t breathe.”

“It usually helps if you exhale first,” he suggested.

She hadn’t realized it but she had been holding her breath. Zara breathed out and in again.

“Are you ready?” Puppetmaster asked.

“N—yes,” for some reason the word was so hard to say.

Puppetmaster escorted her up the aisle. Without any family left on her side of the family, Zara asked Puppetmaster to give her away. He accepted, of course and even bought a new suit and some dress shoes for the event. He didn’t look the most comfortable in a suit and tie but Zara didn’t mind. She was happy that he was there to make everything go a little more smoothly.

Zara looked ahead at the altar. The Maids of Honor and the Best Men seemed to be having a whispering argument. Zara sighed.

“I wonder what they are arguing about this time,” Zara muttered.

Puppetmaster looked at her, “Not all of them seem so irate.”

Zara looked again and sure enough Chaud was the only one not engaging in whatever argument was taking place. His eyes were only on her. She wondered what about her that had captivated his attention. It wasn’t like she was that attractive. She felt her cheeks turn red and decided that the floor was more interesting to look at.

Puppetmaster stopped at the base of the stairs as Zara continued on. Her legs felt like they were wobbling as she walked up the three or so steps. It felt like she was climbing a mountain. She stood on the left side of the altar and waited.

Vicky looked at Hina and nudged her in the arm. Hina looked at her with annoyance and then with understanding. She rushed down to fix Zara’s train. As she did that, Zara looked over her shoulder. Chaud’s family sat in the front row on the right side while Puppetmaster sat on the left, Shuppet sat beside him in a tiny suit and waved at her.

“You look beautiful,” Chaud whispered to her.

Zara looked at him, “Why are all the ushers standing by the windows?”

“Um, well,” Chaud laughed awkwardly, “funny story about that.”

“Dearly Beloved,” the pastor started, “We are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this company, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.”

“Oh, please someone say something,” Zara closed her eyes and whispered.

Chaud looked at her, “You aren’t expecting anyone to, are you?”

The room was silent and the pastor continued, “Through marriage, Chaud and Zara make a commitment together to face their disappointments, embrace their dreams, realize their hopes, and accept each other’s failures. Chaud and Zara will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together through mutual understanding, openness, and sensitivity to each other.”

Hina tried to stifle a laugh but she wasn’t fast enough. She couldn’t picture Zara being sensitive at all.

The pastor continued, “We are here today, before God, because marriage is one of His most sacred wishes, to witness the joining in marriage of Chaud and Zara. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their life together. And now, through me, He joins you together in one of the holiest bonds.”

Right at that point the room filled with the sounds of ringing cellphones. Every Agent in the building looked at their cellphones. Even Sirius looked at his and Kaiba was first one to look at his. Zara reached down to her shoe and pulled out her phone that was strapped to her ankle. She looked at Chaud who was staring at her.

Zara shrugged, “What?”

She opened the cellphone and looked at it. She sighed.

“What?” Chaud asked.

“Apparently something’s happened in Egypt,” Zara shrugged.

Chaud sighed, “And there aren’t any other Agents to deal with it?”

“If there were, we wouldn’t have gotten the call,” Zara hit Chaud in the arm.

“We’ll it isn’t the Bahamas exactly,” Chaud muttered, “I hope I can get my money back.”

“We were going to go to the Bahamas?” Zara looked at him.

Chaud shrugged, “Egypt’s good too.”

She turned to the pastor, “Could we skip to the ‘I Do’s please? We’ve gotta run.”

“Well, um,” the pastor looked slightly confused, “Do you Chaud take Zara to be your wife, to live together, in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart’s deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?”

“I do,” Chaud said.

“Ditto!” Zara said. She snapped her fingers, “Rings!”

Deontay reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring. Naru reached over to Chaud and tried plucking off a piece of lint that had been bugging him throughout the ceremony.

“Dude,” Deontay looked at him.

“Sorry,” Naru stated, “It was all I could think about.”

Deontay handed Chaud the ring. On Zara’s side, Vicky patted herself down as if she had lost the ring and didn’t know where it was.

Hina rolled her eyes, “It’s on your thumb!”

Vicky looked and sure enough, it was. She pulled it off and handed it to Zara. Chaud placed his ring on Zara’s ring finger and Zara placed her ring on his.

The pastor finished up, “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”

Zara kissed Chaud on the lips and hiked up her dress and ran down the aisle. One of the ushers had went to grab the marriage license and was coming up the aisle. Zara grabbed a pen and signed. She looked back and saw the others standing where they were.

“Well come on!” she shouted, “I’m missing out on the Bahamas and now someone has to pay! I’d like to get to Egypt and punch the living daylights out of who thought it was a good idea to steal the sphinx! Chaud, get over here and sign the stupid license!”

The others started waking after her. Chaud smiled sheepishly at the murmuring crowd.

“Go ahead to the Reception; we’ll pay for it,” Chaud said, “Enjoy the meal. I heard the salmon is great.”

“CHAUD!” Zara yelled.

“Coming, dear!” Chaud ran after her.

The Turn: Chapter Forty-Four

The Turn

Chapter Forty-Four

~New Beginnings~

The Turn

The helicopter flew over the ocean. There was nothing but blue sea for miles around. Zara sat with her feet daggling over the edge. The door was opened and the others sat quietly inside. She looked out the door. Dozens of helicopters flew in formation.

Inside were the other members of her team, plus two. Chaud’s sister Amber sat close to her brother. Zara watched as Amber interacted with her older brother. Chaud seemed happy to be with her. Deontay sat in the seat beside the pilot. He enjoyed the security of seeing what was around. Hina and Naru were on each other’s last nerve. They were giving each other the silent treatment after an argument. Vicky was quiet. She looked to be excited about seeing the Island again. Miwa, still in his dog form sat in the back. He made good on his command and found Kaiba and Kiri again. Now he was hanging out with Chaud and the rest of the team.

It had been several months since The Turn. Sirius came out of hiding and helped the world rebuild after the collapse of the New Order. After getting thing on the path to normal, it was the Other’s turn to go home, or at least what was left of it after the New Order all but leveled everything.

Zara looked out into the open again. The Island had just come into view far ahead of them. She got to her feet and leaned outside the helicopter to see if she could get a better view.

The helicopter landed on the Island a short time later on a ridge looking over the city. Zara got out and walked toward the edge. The tallest structure was the broken Tower that stood at only a fourth of its original height.

“Yeesh,” Chaud walked up beside her.

Zara glared at him, “You have got to stop sneaking up on me like that.”

Chaud looked at her, “Look, I’m just being me. It’s not my fault you can’t hear me coming.”

“Man, we got a lot of renovating to do, don’t we,” Deontay looked at the scene.

“They sure didn’t leave any stone undamaged,” Hina stated.

“But its home,” Zara said.

Deontay rolled up his sleeves, “Well, let’s get to work then.”

“You can’t just do that, can you? I mean we need plans, right?” Chaud questioned.

Zara looked at him, “I think it’s alright if we wing-it for now.”

Chaud shrugged, “Sounds good to me!”

IOIOIOIOI

A year passed from that point and there was great celebration in the air. The New Tower was finally completed. People were in the streets celebrating its completion and the many Others who worked to rebuild the city from the ground up. The city was still far from being whole but it was well on its way.

Sirius sat by the window in his home. The new building towered above all the rest and could be easily seen from his home. The Mistress walked up behind her husband and draped her arms around his neck. She kissed him on his head. Sirius looked up at his wife.

“You’ve done it,” she said, “After all this time, you have done it.”

Sirius smiled, “It wasn’t just me, darling. It was every Other on the Island. We wouldn’t be here without them.”

She rested her head on his, “It just feels good to be going back to normal.”

He nodded, “Things won’t ever really be the same but at least we’ll be on our way to a new normal.”

The Mistress walked around and sat in her husband’s lap, “Speaking of normal, Kaiba’s already at the New Tower. I don’t think he’s even skipped a beat since we got back.”

Sirius smiled, “True. He likes to keep himself busy.”

“Wonder where he got that from?” she muttered playfully.

“I wonder just as much as you do,” Sirius laughed, “Even I need a good night’s sleep every now and again.”

“Lynx is getting a lot of that these days,” she smiled.

“I think he’s grieving over his Mechs,” Sirius said, “You know how much he loved those, even if they didn’t work yet.”

“Oh, that’s right,” the Mistress sighed, “our poor baby.”

“How is little Amber?” Sirius looked around, “I haven’t seen her this morning.”

“Oh she went with Chaud and his friends,” she rested against Sirius, “She really has grown, you know, and not just in her height. Who knows what she saw when she was separated from us.”

“Yes, but Chaud kept her safe and sound didn’t he,” Sirius comforted her.

“You’re right,” she reluctantly agreed, “but I just wish I was there for her.”

Sirius wrapped his arms around his wife, “I know, but there is no sense looking back in the past. If she wants to talk about it, she will. We have to trust our little girl.”

The Mistress nodded, “Of course, your right.”

A clock chimed somewhere in the house. Sirius looked at his watch.

“We’d better get to the opening ceremony,” Sirius observed, “We wouldn’t want to be late.”

“That would be interesting wouldn’t it,” Mrs. Galaxy laughed.

Kaiba walked around the empty building. Miwa and Kiri followed close behind. As Lynx had promised, Miwa got his body back and it had been kept safe. Kaiba was in the basement and entered a room. There was a long column in the center of the circular room. Kiri held the cylinder of data that Miwa had been carrying for safe keeping.

He held out his hand and Kiri placed the cylinder in Kaiba’s hand. Kaiba placed it inside a compartment in the column. Something sounded like it was powering up and Kaiba left the room with the two androids in his wake.

“What exactly happened?” Miwa asked.

Kiri looked at him, “The data you were carrying held everything that made the Tower the Tower: documents, files and the likes. That data will help the Tower start where it left off instead of having to start from the ground up, so to speak.”

“It was that easy?” Miwa questioned.

Kiri smiled, “The super computer will deal with getting different strands of date where they should go.”

Miwa looked surprised, “Super computer?”

“Yes, a super computer,” Kaiba stated.

“Can it talk?” Miwa asked.

Kaiba sighed, “No.”

Miwa shrugged, “I don’t see what’s so super about it.”

Kiri smiled, “Basically it sorts data on its own and where things should go. It will help make the Tower more efficient. And androids like us can access the data there directly.”

Miwa still looked unconvinced, “Still doesn’t seem all that super. I bet I could do all that and I can still talk.”

Kaiba sighed with frustration while Kiri tried her best not to laugh.

Fang stood in front of his property, a cup of tea in his hand. He watched as Alister and the others pounded away at the new house. Arisa ran around the yard chasing butterflies while Lumin watched her closely as he worked to put the tiles on the roof. The building was almost done. At least the roof was going to be finished before the rainy season.

Fortunately, the mansion was mostly standing when they got back. They could have just repaired some of the walls and part of the roof but Penelope wanted a bigger room with more shelves for her manga and anime collection. Raven wanted a bigger bathroom. Arisa didn’t really want anything except for a queen sized bed and a bigger closet which wouldn’t fit unless she had a bigger room. The men generally didn’t have any complaints other than Alister’s request for a pool in his room which was denied flat out.

Fang sighed as Shadow walked up. Shadow had a smile on his face that Fang didn’t like.

“Whatcha doing?” Shadow asked.

“Standing here making sure Alister doesn’t slack off,” Fang stated.

Shadow crossed his arms, “Let’s try this again. Whatcha doing?”

“Ignoring you,” Fang said.

“Whatcha doing?” Shadow asked for the third time.

“Thinking,” Fang muttered.

Shadow smiled, “See! Was that so hard, Fang? What are you thinking about?”

“It’s none of your business,” Fang snapped.

Shadow waited a while for Fang to come around. They stood side by side amidst the bounding and nail gunning of the others working on the roof. Everything was strangely peaceful. The wind blew at an easy pace as Arisa laughed in the background. Fang sighed.

“I think I’m going to retire,” he said.

Shadow nodded, “I see. You plan on retiring soon?”

Fang shrugged, “I was thinking after the Tower got back on its feet and running. You’ll be leading this bunch of crazies when I do though.”

Shadow looked at Fang, “Any advice?”

“If something goes wrong,” Fang started, “blame Alister, it’s usually him.”

Shadow laughed. Fang had to smile a little. He watched as Shadow tried to get himself under control again. Shadow tried taking several deep breathes to regain his composure.

“Really though,” Shadow stifled a laugh, “I’ll be able to go to you for advice on missions, right?”

“You can always stop by the bar,” Fang stated.

“Bar,” Shadow questioned.

Fang shrugged, “I’ve got to do something with my time and I’ve always wanted a bar, kind of.”

“What would you call it?” Shadow asked.

“I don’t know,” Fang said, “But I guess I have a while to think about it.” Fang narrowed his eyes and sighed, “There he goes. Does he really think I can’t see him? I still have good eyes, you know.”

Shadow smiled and walked after Alister, “I got him. It’ll be good practice. By the way, do you know what happened to that doll shop?”

Fang thought a moment, “I think it got turned into an apartment type thing. You know, for the Tower. A team will be staying there, I hear.”

“Do you know who?” Shadow asked.

Fang took a sip of his tea, “I think I have a good idea.”

The carnival had finally moved back to the Island. It made its home in the upper left corner of the city. Tents were going up left and right. Displays were being set up as well.

Amber ran through ins and outs of the carnival. Her orange hair bounced as she ran. Chaud kept a close eye on her as he and his team walked through the carnival streets. They walked toward the trailers. Here they got a few glares from the circus/carnival folk. In a way they were intruding in their personal space.

Zara led them to a black wagon that looked similar to a gypsy’s wagon. Sitting on an old tree stump in front of the wagon was Puppetmaster. He sat with his legs crossed carving at another doll. Shuppet sat in the grass against the stump. When Puppetmaster looked up he smiled at his coming visitors.

“Well, well, what do we have here?” he smiled, “What brings you to all the way out here?”

“We’re here to visit you,” Hina stated.

Deontay nodded, “Yeah, you don’t live around the square anymore. What gives?”

Puppetmaster laughed, “Last I remember, you and your team are to be living on my old stomping grounds.”

Vicky sat down on the grass, “Yeah, but now you live all the way out here.”

“That I do,” Puppetmaster said in agreement, “but you can always visit if you have the time. I hear you’ll be very busy once the Tower is in full operation.”

“Ha! You bet! We’re a hot topic around here!” Hina exclaimed.

Naru rubbed his ear, “Seriously, do you have to yell so loud?”

“I wasn’t yelling!”

“You still are.”

“IS THIS BETTER?!”

Puppetmaster watched them, “Calm down you two.” He looked at little Amber, “You wouldn’t believe who stopped by today, Amber.”

“Who?” Chaud’s sister asked.

“Wini,” Puppetmaster said.

Amber’s eyes lit up, “Wini! She came here?!”

“I guess she was greeting me a hello. Came down from the forest and sat in the sun while I worked on Jim here,” Puppetmaster smiled, “Got up and left a few hours ago.”

“Well, what do you know,” Chaud stated.

“What do you plan to do now?” Zara asked.

Puppetmaster put down his work and thought a moment, “I think I’ll stay here for the foreseeable future. Maybe sell a few of my dolls.”

“You’re not going to learn the trapeze?” Deontay joked.

Puppetmaster broke out into laughter, “No, no, I don’t think so.” He looked down at Shuppet, “I know, I know, I didn’t forget.”

“Forget what?” Zara asked.

“To give you all an until-next-time gift,” Puppetmaster looked near the wagon door.

There were eight wooden boxes on the steps. Eight dolls carried the boxes to the seven that were seated there. Their names were carved into boxes. Chaud received Miwa’s box along with his own.

Zara slip opened the box lid and smiled. A mini Zara doll looked up at her. It sat up and looked at her. The doll crossed its arms and looked at Puppetmaster.

“I didn’t say you would be in the box for a short time,” Puppetmaster said, “I just said that I would put you in the box until they came to get their gifts.”

The doll looked away. Zara could almost hear a ‘humph’ come from the doll. She looked around and saw mini doll-like versions of her friends. Zara looked up at the Puppetmaster and smiled.

“Thanks,” she said, “It must have taken you forever to make them.”

“Time is no object among friends,” he smiled.

Amber got up with her doll and ran in circles, “It’s so cute!”

Chaud looked over his shoulder, “Hey, where are you going?”

“I’ll get her,” Naru got to his feet. He bowed toward Puppetmaster and his doll followed suit, “Thank you for the gift.”

“You’re welcome,” Puppetmaster said, “Shouldn’t you all be going to the Tower’s grand opening?”

“That would probably be a good idea,” Chaud stated.

The others stood and thanked Puppetmaster for his kindest and generosity. They started walking to the entrance of the circus carnival. Zara was about to follow them when Puppetmaster stopped her.

“Come here for a moment, child,” Puppetmaster called to her.

Zara stopped and returned. Puppetmaster got to his feet and wrapped her arms around her in a friendly embrace.

“Don’t grow up to fast,” he whispered to her, “Enjoy a little ice cream every once in a while.”

“I will,” Zara said, “I’m not going to see you very often, am I.”

Puppetmaster smiled, “We’ll see. For now, you should join your teammates.”

Zara whipped her eyes and nodded, “I’ll see you later, alright.”

“Alright,” Puppetmaster sent her on her way.

Zara walked away and noticed Chaud was waiting for her. He smiled when she saw her coming. Chaud noticed that Zara looked a little sad. He walked up to her to make sure she was alright.

“You okay?” Chaud asked.

“I guess,” Zara shrugged.

Chaud smiled and kissed her lightly on the lips. Zara stopped, shocked at the action. She felt lightheaded and dizzy and her heart seemed to skip a beat. When he pulled away he smiled and rubbed the back of his head. She couldn’t move. Her head still felt like she was floating off the ground.

When she felt grounded again, she cleared her throat and pushed him to one side and walked passed him, “What are you doing standing around? The others are waiting for us! The ceremony with start any minute! Come on!”

Chaud smiled and shook his head. He followed after her.

Puppetmaster and Shuppet saw the ordeal. He smiled and rested his head in his folded hands. Shuppet looked up at its master, a question in his eyes. Puppetmaster looked at Shuppet.

“Do I think she likes him?” Puppetmaster thought a moment, “I think I dare say she might. She just doesn’t want to admit it yet.”

Shuppet looked on. He secretly hoped that Zara would admit it soon.