Ichigo and Ikuno sat around the table, Zero Two's wedding dress between them. This was a community project that the girls of the squad had been working on. Right now, the two of them were putting the finishing touches on it. Hiro and Zero Two were once again blazing a path forward, and their wedding was just the next step. And she reflected absentmindedly that this wouldn't be the first time some of the squad had followed in their footsteps. For better or worse, their actions tended to inspire the rest of the squad. She smiled amused it had happened to her, even though she'd said she'd wait.

"Ow!" Ichigo exclaimed, poking herself with the needle.

Ikuno looked up at her. "Again?" She said with a raised eyebrow.

She sucked on her thumb, "I didn't mean to."

Ikuno nodded and sighed. "Curious isn't it. How often we do things, we never intended to do."

She nodded, "Yeah I guess you're right… I guess its just one of those things you never really think about."

"I think about it." Ikuno said, almost with a tone of regret. "Sometimes I wish I could go back and change things. Or do them differently."

"Yeah, you and me both." She said, inspecting her thumb to make sure the bleeding had stopped.

"Ichigo." Ikuno said solemnly. "Have you ever done something that you regret or… Or wished that you'd wait for?"

She nodded, thinking over what had happened to her over this last month. "Yeah. I've had a few times when I wish I could go back and make a different decision or postpone that decision to a better time."

Ikuno nodded. "So do I.."

Suddenly Ikuno doubled up in pain, and she watched stunned as a blue vein climbed up one of the girl's fingers.

"Ikuno!" She said wide-eyed. "What is that!?"

Ikuno swore and clenched her fist. "It's hard to explain." She sighed. "I was impulsive… And it wasn't logical…"

"What?" Ichigo said, confused.

"It was one of those moments when I acted before I thought." Ikuno said, staring blankly at her clenched fist.

She stared at her, Ikuno was talking in riddles. What was going on? "Ikuno are you okay? You seem… You seem lost."

Ikuno stared at her. "I am Ichigo. I don't know if I made a mistake or not. If what I did is right."

She got up and made her way over to the girl. "Ikuno what's wrong?"

Ikuno started to cry, "I'm pregnant, Ichigo… I got excited one night and let my emotions take over. I..I invited Futoshi to my room, and we did it… But… The baby…. It's not… It's not human. His DNA is… It's Klaxosapien and when he impregnated me, the baby we created, took on his DNA and now… It's changing me."

Ichigo took a deep breath to calm herself. Ikuno had just laid a lot out on the table, but now wasn't the time to marvel in it. The girl needed support, not to be gawked at. "Ikuno… Are you afraid?"

Ikuno nodded. "I told myself I wouldn't. I promised my baby that I'd be there for it, but… I'm scared, Ichigo. I don't know if what I did was right." The girl continued sobbing. "I wanted a baby so bad. S-Since the moment I found at about it. But now that it's here… Now that I can't turn back…"

"Ikuno…" She said, taking a deep breath. "I'm going to tell you something that nobody else knows. Not even Goro." She looked Ikuno right in the eye. "I'm pregnant too."

Ikuno blinked at her. "You are?"

She nodded. "Yes. And like you, it was an impulsive decision. It was just before Goro and I sneaked into the Archives. I went on impulse, and we did it." She smiled. "You know… When I first found out that Zero Two was pregnant, I told myself that I'd wait until she had the baby. I wanted someone else to go first. But.. life doesn't always work out that way. I thought I could get away with it. I figured that I could have fun with the man I love and still wait until when I'd planned. But that didn't happen, and I had to face the reality that. Sex makes babies. That's its purpose. Sure it feels good, but when you forge that bond, life happens." She paused and thought for a moment. "Ikuno do you regret what you did?"

Ikuno sighed. "I regret that I was too impulsive that I jumped before I looked. I was too eager to have what I wanted that I ignored the consequences."

"You don't hate your baby?"

Ikuno shook her head. "No… Not truly. But… But I can't seem to accept it. Not fully. I keep telling myself that I can, but I feel inadequate, and the feeling never lasts."

"Is it that you're turning into a Klaxosapien?"

"It's something I didn't agree too…" Ikuno said, swallowing hard. "I never wanted to change like that…"

She sighed, "Have you told Naomi?"

Ikuno shook her head. "I haven't had the strength to face her. I don't want to tell her that I'm scared when she went through so much more."

"You need to talk to her." She said firmly. "Ikuno… I know you love her, and she feels the same way about you. She can help you more than I can."

Ikuno sighed. "I'll try."

She smiled. "Then go. Do it right now, before you talk yourself out of it."

Ikuno was shaking, and she gently pulled the girl into a hug. "It'll be okay. We're all here for you. We can do this together. Ever since our rebellion, we knew that we'd be pioneering into things long forgotten. Let's not regret the choices we made. Okay. Let's just see we're they take us. And maybe we can help others from making the same mistake."

Ikuno swallowed. "I just wished somebody had prepared me for what this would feel like…"

Ichigo sighed. "Naomi's the only one you can speak to what you're going through, Ikuno. Go talk to her."

Gently she guided Ikuno to her feet and pointed to the stairs. "Go."

Almost in a daze, Ikuno left the room.

Ichigo stood there in silent reflection and quietly shook her head. "Life." She muttered. It was so unpredictable and full of consequences. She placed a hand on her own belly the result of her decision growing inside her. "I'll make it work." She said with a sigh. "Some how." As she sat down and kept sewing, she said. "Although I should help Miku and Kokoro not make the same mistake. We can't all be this vulnerable, not until this war is over."

Ikuno sat on her bed. The very bed that she'd made her fateful decision on. Shaking, she flipped open her communicator and stared at Naomi's name in her contacts. Trembling, she tapped the button and watched as the commutator connected to Naomi. A second later, it happened.

"Hey Ikuno what's up?" Naomi said cheerfully.

She swallowed hard. "Nothing much…"

Naomi paused, and a second later, her image appeared on the communicator screen. Naomi's glowing blue eyes staring up at her. "Ikuno are you okay?"

She gulped and tried to say something, but…

"Ikuno what's wrong?" Naomi said,

"I'm trying to find the words." Ikuno said, her voice catching in her throat." Naomi... I'm… I'm pregnant."

Naomi smiled. "Well congratulations."

"But that's not all." She said, rolling up her sleeve, revealing the glowing blue veins that were ascending her arms.

Naomi stared at her for a long moment. Ikuno gulped. Naomi knew what had happened, and it had barely taken her more than a few seconds. "How do you feel about it?" Naomi said cautiously.

She shook her head, feeling ashamed. "Scared." She whispered.

Naomi nodded. "Of the baby or of your transformation?"

"Both…" She managed her voice barely more than a whisper.

Naomi thought for a moment. "Ikuno, I wanna show you something. But first. Do you have horns of some sort?"

Ikuno felt under her brow and felt two tiny lumps on her forehead. Silently she nodded.

Naomi smiled. "Good. Now give me a second."

Naomi closed her eyes, and her horns glowed a brilliant blue, a second later she felt a tingling in her forehead. And then. She was there. Naomi. It felt like the girl was right next to her.

"Naomi," She whispered. "What did you do?"

Naomi's comforting presence washed over her. "Something special." She whispered. Naomi gently stroked her cheek, and then kissed her, the sensation so powerful that it seemed impossible that she wasn't actually there.

"So." Naomi said with a smile. "You are a Klaxosapien now. Just like me."

She nodded.

Naomi gently stroked her cheek. "That makes me so happy."

She stared at her, surprised. "Why…"

Naomi chuckled. "Because, before there was always a barrier between us. A world that the two of us couldn't share. I was destined to be alone with my children, and to reforge a lost people back into existence." Naomi smiled. "But now I don't have to do it alone. Ikuno, you and I together can bring life back to my people." Naomi blushed. "I've always loved you, Ikuno. You've known that for a while. But I had resigned myself that we'd always have to be apart. We had to live in two different worlds. Now though, we can be together. Because you are no longer part of the human world. You're part of mine."

Ikuno blushed. "Naomi…"

Naomi gently placed a hand on her belly, and she felt her body alight with energy and felt a warm pulsating energy deep inside her. Her baby slowly nurturing itself into existence.

"I guess that makes fourteen of us now." Naomi said, smiling.

Ikuno smiled. "I thought you only had twelve?"

"Well then I have somebody I want you to meet." Naomi's presence leaned away from her, and suddenly it returned with somebody in her arms. Ikuno gasped as she saw the little girl clutched in Naomi's arms. Naomi smiled as she cradled her child. "This is Numa." Naomi said, smiling.

Ikuno gasped, as she stared down at Numa, the little girl asleep in Naomi's arms. Silently she marveled, at the living breathing child in front of her. This was what she was creating. A living breathing person. A reality that had manifested itself fully into existence.

Ikuno smiled at the look of pure love on Naomi's face, a love that only a mother could hold for her children. And as she saw it, she felt a slight twinge of desire. She wanted to look at something that way, and then she realized that she could. Her impulse had manifested that for her.

Naomi smiled at her. "I don't know if that helps. But that's how I view it. Then again. I've always been a little selfish."

Ikuno smiled. "No.. No, you're right. I won't lie, I'm still scared. But I think I can accept it." She looked down at the blue veins in her skin. "If this means I get to be with you then… It'll make accepting them a lot easier."

Naomi smiled. "That's the spirit. And if you ever need me, call on me, and I'll be happy to help."

Naomi seemed to look past her to something on the wall. "Ikuno." She said, "I have to go for now. Maya and I have something we need to prepare, and we'll announce it to you shortly. I'll see you in a little bit, okay."

She nodded. "I understand. And thank you. Thank you for helping me,"

Naomi kissed her. "Thats what I'm here for. I love you."

A second later, the sensation of Naomi's presence vanished, and she blinked back into reality, and looking down saw Naomi hang up. With a sigh, she lay back on the bed, her head spinning. She couldn't be in denial any longer... Like it or not, she'd made her decision, and had to accept it. She stared at her arms, the glowing blue veins of her transformation sparkling at her. "I guess if I get to be with her, it isn't so bad." She muttered softly. Getting up, she walked over to a mirror on the wall and stripped gazing at her body. She realized that soon not a part of her would be left untouched. She stared at her face, the last part of her that didn't have signs of her transformation. Quietly she said goodbye to the human world, and opening her eyes, she stepped into the new one. Gently she placed her hands on her belly. This was her reality. It was time to accept it.

Naomi sat on her bed, having just hung up from talking to Ikuno. She smiled the thought of her best friend transforming into another Klaxosapien, filling her with joy. If she could have picked anyone, it would have been her. And having Futoshi be one as well. That would help her race survive. Because unlike humans Klaxosapiens couldn't be cloned. She smiled as she gazed down at Numa, still asleep even after she'd shown her to Ikuno. Secretly she hoped that Ikuno's baby would be a boy. That way, Numa, too, could have a partner.

She looked over at a clock on the wall. Maya should be here any minute. The thought of what Maya was coming here to do made her shiver with nervousness. Maya had set aside this day for her coronation. Today was the day she became the next queen of the Klaxosaurs. Just then, she heard a knock at the door, and Maya stepped in. And for the first time since she'd met her, Maya wasn't wearing her crown.

Maya smiled. "Good morning."

"Morning." She said nervously.

Maya chuckled. "Are you ready for your big day?"

She shook her head. "It almost feels surreal."

Maya smiled. "I remember my coronation day. I was such a nervous wreck. I nearly burst into tears when my father placed the crown on my head."

She chuckled softly. "Yeah that'll probably be me in a few hours."

Maya shook her head. "No. You're much stronger than I was at that age. You'll be the very image of a Queen when it comes time."

She blushed. "I hope so."

They sat there for serval long moments staring at each other, each unsure what they wanted to say. Maya swallowed hard and pulled her into a hug, and a second later, She heard Maya's muffled sobs and felt hot tears running down her chest. "Thank you, Naomi." Maya said her voice thick with emotion. "I owe you so much."

Naomi blushed. "You don't owe me anything, Maya. You gave me a home and a sense of purpose. I'll forever be grateful for that."

Maya swallowed hard. "I wish I could make you understand Naomi, the miracle you have been in my life. The fulfillment of all my hopes and dreams. You'll make a great queen Naomi. Today will be a day remembered for eternity."

Gently Maya separated herself from her. "Now. It's time to make you ready."

Naomi held up her hand. "Maya I decided to not wear anything for the ceremony. My people should see me for who I am, and nothing more."

Maya nodded. "At least allow me to comb your hair?"

She nodded. "Of course."

Maya quietly grabbed a comb from the bathroom and gently began to comb her hair, tucking serval loose strands of pale blue hair behind her ears.

"Would it be possible to invite the squad to the ceremony." She asked quietly, hoping that something could be arranged.

Maya thought for a moment. "I'll see what I can do. We won't be able to get them here physically, but maybe I can rig something so that they can all watch you."

She nodded. "Thank you."

"Have you thought about what you're going to say." Maya said quietly.

Naomi nodded. "A little bit, but I'm going to trust in the moment. I know that it'll come to me when I need it."

Maya nodded. "I wish I had your confidence. I always have to plan what I want to say."

She smiled. "Well, I guess we'll find out how it goes then."

Maya smiled. "Well. Good luck."

The time had come, and Naomi stood in the hallway that led to the main terrace, at the far end of it, she saw the light of the city of the Klaxosaurs. Her people were gathered on the steps of the palace and the plaza below. Her heart was hammering in her chest; this was the moment. The moment that she fulfilled her promise to her people. Numa squirmed excitedly on her back, and she took a deep breath. Now was the time.

She closed her eyes as she heard Maya beginning to speak. Naomi breathed quietly, barely even registering what Maya was saying. She stared into the light waiting for the moment when she faced her people. And before she knew it, it was time.

"My people!" Maya shouted.

She began to walk forward.

"I present to you, my successor! The mother of our future, and the leader to bring us into the new day! Queen Naomi!"

She emerged onto the terrace, the sound of thousands of cheering Klaxosaurs washing over her as they greeted their new queen. She stepped up to the railing and gazed out at her people. Raising her hand, she waved, the cheers growing to a fever pitch as she stood, gazing out at them.

"Naomi." Maya said quietly.

She turned and saw Maya and Logos standing off to the side, their faces filled with pride and gratitude. And next to them, stood the holos of Squad 13 all their excited faces beaming at her.

She smiled and waved at them, she knew they had a thousand questions, but she'd have to answer them later. She turned to Maya and smiled, ready to embrace her destiny.

Maya nodded and carefully picked up a crown that lay off to the side. Maya walked up to her, and they both stood side-face looking into each other's eyes. "Thank you," Maya whispered. "For everything."

She nodded, her throat too tight for her to speak. Logos slithered up next to his wife. "It's time." He said softly to the two of them.

She nodded and went down on one knee; her head bowed politely in respect. Maya stepped up to her and gently placed the crown on her head, the weight cementing the responsibility she had to her people.

"Rise Naomi, and become the next queen of the Klaxosaurs." Maya said, her voice swelling with pride.

She took a deep breath and stood rising as the new queen of the Klaxosaurs.

"All hail Queen Naomi!" Maya shouted.

She looked out at her people, feeling the waves of cheers wash over her. The thunderous sound echoed around the cavern that held the city. She stood there, her voice lost to her as she basked in their admiration and love, the weight of her crown strangely disappearing as she was accepted into her new role. A cool breeze blew through the cavern, and she felt her skin pimple as she stood naked before her people. Quietly she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her horns glowed a brilliant blue, and quietly she connected with her children. Then opening her eyes, she let that connection spread, connecting her with every living Klaxosaur in existence. She felt all of them pause, and slowly the cheering died, everyone growing respectfully silent for their queen. And far on the other side of the Earth, even those Klaxosaurs stopped to listen to her. For a moment, she let them bask in her presence and the presence of her children the future that she protected, sacred to all of them.

"My people." She said, looking out at them. "Some of you have met me. Some of you have not. To those of you that haven't, my name is Naomi. Maya brought me here to be the mother of the last remaining Klaxosapiens. This is the sacred duty that I have been entrusted with, to bring life back to our once-great people. A man, full of selfish greed and hatred brought us low, but it is my destiny to undue this destruction. All I know is a mother's love. Everything I have comes from this core principle, and all I can offer you is that love. For the sake of my children, I want to build a better world—a world where we can all thrive and flourish. When I bring my children into this world, I want to be able to look out at all that we've created and be proud of what we've done. Earth is our home. Our garden. This new era needs to be one of healing and love, the humans of Squad 13 are committed to living in this new world, and together our species can usher in this new era. To all of you, I commit this vow. I will be the guardian of our people, and usher in this new age of peace and prosperity. My people. All I know is a mother's love, and this is my gift to you. You are all my children, and for your sake, I commit the world to you! Follow me! AND TOGETHER LET'S MAKE THIS NEW WORLD!"

The cheers erupted once again, and from all over the world, waves of love and gratitude washed over her. Her people embracing her and her vision of the new world. For a while, she stood drinking in the love and admiration of her people. Empowered by their faith in her and what she hoped to accomplish. Finally, she turned and gazed at Maya and Logos, pride and gratitude present in every line of their faces. Maya watched her in silent tears, too emotional to speak. She smiled at Squad 13, waving at her friends. They all smiled back, their admiration and support of her clear.

"That was a great speech." Zero Two said, smiling.

Naomi blushed. "Thanks."

The rest of the squad offered their well wishes and support and embarrassed she did her best to accept it all. Finally, Ikuno was the only one who was left. Discreetly she reached into the girl's mind. "See, this is the world I want you to be a part of. You belong with me." Gently she reached inside and felt the life inside Ikuno. "The two of you."

Ikuno gulped and nodded tears streaming down her face.

She smiled. "We'll talk later."

Shaking herself, she returned her attention back to the squad. Gently she walked up to them. "I'm so glad you guys could make it." She said sweetly.

"We wouldn't miss it for the world," Ichigo said, smiling.

The squad nodded their agreement.

"Hey, Naomi." Hiro said, "Zero Two and I are getting married, and we'd like to invite you to our wedding. Do you think you could attend?"

She smiled, "Of course."

Just then, the holo's of squad 13 flickered, and when Zero Two tried to speak, her voice was distorted.

"I'm sorry to interrupt." Hachi's voice butted in. "But we're going to lose connection soon. Please say your farewells.

Smiling, she waved to the squad. "I'll see you guys soon, okay. Hiro tells me when you're holding the wedding, and I'll be there."

Hiro smiled. "Will do."

They said goodbye, and then the holo vanished, leaving just the three of them standing on the terrace. Smiling, she turned to them, Maya and Logos still smiling with fierce pride.

"My Queen," Maya said, bowing.

Logos too bowled his head.

"No, No, No!" She said, hurrying forward, "You guys don't bow to me."

Maya smiled and straightened. "I'm so proud of you, Naomi."

Logos chuckled softly. "I always told you she'd make a great queen. And she makes an even better mother."

She stopped in front of them. "You guys…" She said, embarrassed. "I don't deserve this. You did all the hard work, I'm just befitting from it."

"No, Naomi," Maya said, "Without you, none of this would be possible." She got down on one knee and bowed, Logos to lowering his head to the floor. "Naomi. Please accept our humble gratitude. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. Glory be to you oh Queen of the Klaxosaurs. May your rule be long and prosperous."

The day had come—the day of the wedding. Mistilteinn was abuzz with activity, everyone running around preparing for the wedding. A ceremonial alter had been placed in the middle of the courtyard, the spot marking where Hiro and Zero Two would become husband and wife. Chairs were arranged for a few guests, and food was being prepared in the kitchens for a celebratory dinner. Maya and Naomi had arrived on the Klaxosaur dragon a few hours earlier. Now that everyone was here, preparations for the ceremony proper were underway. Zero Two and Hiro stood on a balcony overlooking the courtyard where they'd soon be wed.

"I can't believe it's happening." She said happily, leaning against Darling.

Darling smiled. "I promised you, didn't I?"

She laughed. "I know. Still, now that it's finally here…"

Gently he ran his fingers through her hair. "I know…"

Quietly she watched as the squad bustled about, getting everything ready. Smiling, she waved to Naomi and baby Numa as the new Queen of the Klaxosaurs humbly rearrange some chairs.

"I still can't believe that they'd do all of this for us." Zero Two said.

Darling smiled. "That's what friends are for, plus everyone is excited. Nobody has seen a marriage before, so of course, everyone wants to participate."

She nodded. "I guess you're right. We'll need to find a way to thank them."

Darling nodded. "For sure."

For a while, they stood there, watching as everyone went about preparing for the wedding. Eventually thou a thought accrued to her. Something meaningful she could give to someone else. Even… Even if it made her a little uncomfortable.

"Darling…" She said, still consumed in her own head. "Do… Do you think we should invite Delta and Alpha to the wedding?"

Darling stiffened. "Um… Zero Two that's your decision. I'll support whatever you choose, but this is your past. I know you've been working hard to heal some of those old wounds. I have no problems including them in our special moment, but please don't guilt yourself into inviting them."

She took a deep breath and gently placed a hand on her belly. She needed to do the right thing. Maybe… Maybe it would help her to fully accept them and not keep remembering what they used to be…

She shook herself. "I'm going to see them." She stated firmly.

He nodded, "Then I'll go with you."

Leaving the balcony, they began to make their way towards the elevators riding them to the main lobby of the plantation. From there they walked to the med bay and taking a moment they stopped in front of it.

"You need anything." Darling asked.

She took a deep breath. "No. Alright, let's do this."

She and Darling stepped into the med bay and found Alpha gently cuddling Delta as they chatted quietly. Surprised, they looked up as she entered the room, not expecting to have been interrupted.

"Hello, Zero Two." Alpha said quietly.

"Good morning." She said pleasantly. "Do… Do you mind if we intrude for a moment?"

"Not at all." He said, sitting up, gently covering Delta with the blankets again. "How… How can I help you?"

She took a deep breath. "Hiro and I would like to invite you and Delta to our wedding. We'll be holding the ceremony in a couple hours, and since you're now members of Plantation 13, I thought you should have the opportunity to come."

Alpha and Delta looked at each other. "Sure... We'd be delighted to come... But um… What's a wedding?"

With a small sigh at her own oversight, she quickly explained what a wedding was and why it was held.

Alpha and Delta nodded their understanding. "Thank you. We'll be sure to come."

She nodded. "Your welcome."

Turning she made to leave but Alpha called her back. "Zero Two!" He said, "Why?… Why would you invite us to something so special? A-After everything…"

She turned and smiled. "I believe in second chances. This… This is my way of trying to accept you. Even… Even after everything. Alpha… I can see that you're not the same person you used to be. I'm inviting this Alpha to my wedding. Not the old one. If you can do that for me. Then… Then I'd be delighted to have you come."

Alpha nodded. "I understand... And… And thank you."

She smiled. "Then we'll see you soon."

Smiling, she turned to leave, and feeling better about herself began to return to Mistilteinn. Gently she slid her arm through Darling's as they continued towards the elevators. "Now, all that's left is to prepare for the wedding."

Darling smiled. "Yep. That, and get married."

Hiro stood next to the altar, his heart hammering in his chest. The moment was so close now. In a few seconds, his beautiful bride was going to come through that door, and they'd be husband and wife.

"Nervous." Goro said, holding the script of the words to the wedding ceremony.

He nodded. "Yeah, It's so close now, and any moment she's going to walk through that door…"

Goro chuckled softly. "Just make sure you don't kiss her too early now. That comes at the end of your vows, remember."

He grinned. "Yeah, I remember."

The door to the house opened, and his heart leapt into his throat. Until he realized that it was just Naomi slipping out and into the courtyard.

"She is almost ready." Naomi said with a smile.

He nodded his thanks and watched as she sat next to Maya, Zero Two's genetic mother, here to watch her daughter's marriage. For the first time since he met them, Nana and Hachi sat peacefully, their duties as administrators set aside for the moment. Serval of the boys shouted encouragement, and he smiled nervously at them, trying to keep from fidgeting as his nerves reached a fever pitch.

Then suddenly it happened. The doors to the house swung open, and Kokoro and Miku ran out, tossing cherry blossoms into the air as…

It was all he could do to keep his mouth from falling open. Zero Two. His precious Zero Two. She was so beautiful; her pristine white dress flowing down her perfect form the hem of her dress gently brushing against the blades of grass beneath her. Her brilliant emerald eyes sparkling beneath the veil that gently covered her face. And protruding gently above her head were her ruby red horns shimmering gently in the afternoon sun. They stared at each other the loving gaze they shared only between them, as the lovers gazed at their other half.

He stared at her transfixed as Dr. Franxx gently guided his precious bride towards him. Before he could even believe it, she stood before him, her eyes sparkling with joy and her smile alighting his world with love.

Dr. Franxx gently removed the veil and turned to him, smiling. "She's all yours."

He smiled and nodded. Gently he reached out and clasped Zero Two's hands, feeling the caress of her warm fingers. Smiling, they stared into each other's eyes, the love they shared between radiating out from them as they stood there prepared to swear their love to the world.

Goro cleared his throat and began speaking. "We are gathered her today, to witness the union of two of our dearest friends and to wish them all the love and happiness in the world. The bond that these two share is a bond forged through love and faith. It is an example to all of us what true devotion looks like, and to show love for someone else is the greatest gift you can give. These two met in the most unlikely of circumstances, but through depending on each other, and forging an unbreakable bond, even the worst horrors the world has to offer weren't enough to pull them apart. Ladies and gentlemen, I asked that you bare witness to the love that these two share, and wish them true happiness as they seal their love with their vows." Goro smiled and looked at him.

He smiled and looked into Zero Two's eyes, her love radiating out at him. He took a deep breath. "I, Hiro, take you to be my dearest friend, my lover, the mother of our children, and my wife. I vow to commit my life to you and to always be by your side. Whether in times of plenty or in times of want. In sickness or in health, or times of sorrow or in joy, whether in failure or in triumph. I promise to always be by your side. To cherish and respect you, to care and protect you, to comfort and encourage you in your darkest moments, and to be by your side for all eternity. To you Zero Two, I swear my life and promise to always be faithful to you and to cherish you always."

A tear slid down her cheek, and she smiled. "I, Zero Two, take you to be my husband, my partner in life, and my one true love. I commit myself to you and cherish our union, and vow to love you with all my heart. I will trust and respect you, to laugh and cry with you. To love you faithfully in good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles that we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love for all eternity. I promise to always be by your side and too forever remain faithful. To you, Hiro, I swear my life and vow to cherish you always."

Goro smiled. "Hiro. You may kiss the bride."

Gently he stepped forward and gently kissed her, his love exploding out of him as their lips met. Zero Two reached out and pulled him into a hug, her belly bumping up against him in their moment of passion. The baby kicked him and smiling they separated, chuckling softly.

"I love you." He said.

She hummed softly, "And so do I."

Gently he took her hand, and they turned to their friends. They all shot up unto their feet their cheers deafening, as their waves of love and support washed over them. Taking her hand, he led Zero Two down towards the crowd, their friends rushing up to them, all offering their congratulations.

With radiant smiles, they greeted their friends, embarrassed as they excepted the love and support of their friends. Goro stepped down from the altar and turning he smiled at his friend.

"Goro." He said, smiling. "Thank you… For everything that you said, and for doing this for us."

Goro smiled and shook his head. "Not a problem Hiro. It was my honor."

"Still." Zero Two insisted. "Please tell us what we can do to thank you."

Goro shook his head, "Just enjoy the rest of your day, and that'll be thanks enough for me."

Ichigo jumped up and gave Goro a kiss on the cheek. "I'm so proud of you." She said, smiling, wrapping an arm around him.

Goro blushed furiously, and they all laughed.

The squad parted as Maya made her way over to her daughter, and smiling, she stopped in front of them. "Congratulations." Maya said simply.

"Thank you." Zero Two said, smiling.

Maya turned to him. "Take good care of her, and thank you for looking out for my daughter… When… When I couldn't."

He smiled. "Of course," Then looking at Zero Two, he added. "It was my pleasure."

She smiled and squeezed his hand.

Just then, there was a commotion by the door, and looking around, his mouth dropped open.

"What in the world…." He said, shocked.

Kokoro and Miku smiled, and they carried a massive cake out of the house, its size larger than anything they'd ever seen.

He and Zero Two looked at each other stunned, as they stared at the cake that made its way towards them, Mitsuru and Futoshi hurriedly setting up a table to hold the thing.

"Cake time!" Zorome announced.

Surprised, the newlywed couple were herded to the table and made to sit down, the rest of the squad busying themselves with more tables and chairs. For the rest of that day, the couple was showered with love and affection every spare moment of their time consumed with some new surprise the squad had in store.

Hours later, the couple crashed into bed, exhausted.

"That was fun." Zero Two sighed her hands on her belly.

He smiled. "I felt so spoiled."

She laughed. "You're telling me."

"I wonder who will be the next couple to be married." He said with a yawn.

"I have no idea," She said, rubbing her eyes.

Smiling, they turned to each other, their faces only a few inches apart. They stared into each other's eyes.

"Thank you." Zero Two whispered,

"No. Thank you for accepting me."

She smiled. "I love you, Darling."

Gently they connected their horns.

"I love you, Zero Two."

Author's Note:

Thank you for reading Chapter 27 of The Jian Bird

This one took a little longer than I was excepting, I'll try to have the next one out as soon as possible.

Stay tuned for Chapter 28 of The Jian Bird: The Price of Rebellion