“Om Esha Ekapadi Bhava Iti Prathaman '' Zac, dressed in a hand-embroidered beige gold Zari Jacquard Sherwani with red cuffs, spoke as he took a step around a fire placed in the middle of a lavishly adorned Mandap. Its entire structure was created from nature. Intricately woven purely for an assortment of flowers. The soft greens of the flower's stem magically melded with the various shades of the delicate yellow, pink, and red flowers. Those soft petals descended like snow.

  “Dhanam Dhanyam Pade Vadet,” Shaila responded, following Zac in his step, her henna-tattooed hand holding his hand tightly. The veil of her artfully embroidered red and beige gold Rasa Lehenga gently blew in the sea breeze, accompanied by dancing petals. The sounds of crashing waves and the setting sun's light illuminating their faces made them believe they were the only two there.

  “The couple prays to God that they will provide each other with food and nourishment. Promising to look after the family's welfare together,” The Pundit translated the meaning of their vows for the large crowd that gathered for this scenic Kerala beach wedding.

  “Om Oorje Jara Dastayaha,” Zac said, taking his second step.

  “Kutumburn Rakshayishyammi Sa Aravindharam,” Shaila responds

  “They pray for a healthy life and vow to protect each other’s happiness.”

  The Pundit continued to interpret the sacred vows for the crowd.

  “Om Rayas Santu Joraa Dastayaha” Zac took his third step.

  “Tava Bhakti as Vadedvachacha,” Shaila continued with him. The smile on her face grew by the second. The Pundit speaks,

  “The gods are invoked to bless the couple with spiritual strength. They promise to love each other solely and vow to remain faithful.”

  Taking the fourth step, Zac spoke again,

  “Om Mayo Bhavyas Jaradastaya Ha.”

  “Lalayami Cha Pade Vadet.” Shaila takes her step.

  “They offer gratitude for completing each other and bringing sacredness to their lives. They promise to please each other in every way possible..”

  “Om Prajabhayaha Santu Jaradastayaha. '' Zac smiles as he takes his fifth step.

  “Arte Arba Sapade Vadet.” Shaila gripped Zac’s hand tighter.

  “They promise to love and honor each other, always.”

  “Rutubhyah Shat Padi Bhava,” Zac spoke as he took his sixth step.

  “Yajna Hom Shashthe Vacho Vadet.” Shaila responded.

  “Zachary and Shaila promise to stay together and share all the joys and sorrows in life.” The Pundit looked towards Nina, who sat under the Mandap; a picture of Shaila’s deceased parents was next to her on a stand. She wore a faint, unreadable smile.

  “Om Sakhi Jaradastayahga.” Zac took the seventh step.

  “Attramshe sakshino vadet pade.” Shaila took the seventh step with him.

  “The couple seek blessings from God for a relationship enriched with loyalty, duty, and fidelity, for eternity.” The Pundit smiled at the couple, who were still so engrossed in their own world that he wondered if they even noticed his presence, let alone all their guests.

  The two of them took their seats under the Mandap. Shaila sat on Zac’s left, signifying she was closer to his heart. As they sat, Nina walked towards the couple, presenting them with Kansar, a sweet made from crushed wheat, sugar, and ghee. She smiled as the two fed each other their first meal.

  “It’s so beautiful!!” Miko's sobbing voice caught the attention of the rest of the Tiny Tots in the area.

  “I want to get married someday.” Miko continued to sob.

  “Yeah, Micheal. She wants to get married someday.” Watabe started to chuckle as he looked at Micheal.

  “Don’t you start, bruv.” Micheal sighed as he looked at Miko, seemingly beside herself, sobbing on his arm.

  “She really is beautiful today,” Akiko said with a sigh.

  Dr. Varma was always an obvious beauty, but she was always working and busy. Outside of today and the engagement party, none had ever seen her with “her hair down.” Today was the happiest and most relaxed any of them had ever seen. While at the same time,

  “And Zac has never looked more nervous.” Kenji started to chuckle.

  It was apparent that Zac was excited, but every move he made was far more stiff than his usual smooth and carefree self.

  “That’s just how much he cares for her. He wants to make sure everything is perfect. I think it’s cute.” Akiko giggled as she watched Zac awkwardly place a necklace of black beads around Shaila’s neck.

  “He should take special care. He is an extraordinary individual who has found his equal. I can’t imagine how hard that must be. Especially with so many undeserving wanting to hang on his arm.” Ume spoke from the other side of Kenji. Her words seemed benign, but Akiko could feel the hostility laced within them.

  “Ah, right. What’s her deal?” Akiko wrapped her arm around Kenji’s as she whispered into his ear.

  Kenji shrugged. There was no point in figuring out what was going through Ume’s head. Outside of himself and Zac, she always seemed to have that same attitude with everyone else. Their attention was called back to the ceremony as Zac placed a red powder on the parting line of Shaila’s hair. As this was happening, Nina placed an ornate broom on the floor. The Pundit then spoke,

  “Zachary and Shaila have decided to conclude their ceremony with the jumping of the broom. Their action symbolizes the sweeping away of the old, welcoming in the new. Now everyone, please count '1, 2, 3, jump' with me now."

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  At the sound of the crowd shouting “jump,” Zac and Shaila jumped over the broom together. They then shared a kiss as everyone in the crowd began to shout and applaud. Zac and Shaila, still in their own world, practically ran down the aisle, leaving the sight of everyone else.

  “If I can have everyone’s attention. The lovely couple would like to invite everyone present to their reception. If you’d just take a peek over there.” Léonie pointed over towards a large white tent on the beach. There were already signs of caterers walking in and out, and the sounds of music were already beginning to echo from within.

  “We have provided enough food, drink, and music for you all to dance the night away. Please enjoy.” She smiled and then walked down the aisle herself, but not before being joined by Devin as they made their way towards the reception hall, followed by the rest of the guests.

  The reception had been going on for quite some time. Kenji had never seen half of the Chaser so happy and carefree. The only sour note to everything was that none of them could get drunk with their new Overclock upgrades. This fact didn’t stop Genkei or Patrick, two of the few Tiny Tots of legal drinking age in India, from trying.

  On the other hand, Dr. Hamilton spent most of the night drunkenly, half apologizing and half berating the Chasers for not being grateful. She seemed to be enjoying herself. Miko spent the night sobbing and stuffing her face. Izumi was never too far from the dance floor and never found a dance partner he didn’t like.

  If Micheal wasn’t spending his time trying to help Miko get her shit together, his time was monopolized by Watabe, who spent most of his evening talking to prominent members of the Renegades and Oleanders that surprisingly were present. Ume was never too far away from Nina.

  They were in deep conversation for most of the evening. However, at the moment, Ume was discussing with Shaila during one of the few instances that she and Zac were separated. Travis had been missing for most of the night.

  Kenji spent most of his night with Akiko. Luckily or unluckily, his father did not attend the ceremony, so he could fully enjoy everything the reception offered. He and Akiko found themselves staring out onto the moonlit ocean. Akiko looked over her shoulder at the large reception tent. She could hear the party still going, and there didn’t seem to be any signs of it slowing down.

  “Never expected to see all of them like that. It’s almost like they're getting married.” Kenji commented as he turned his attention to Akiko, her hair and his light green sheer dress blowing in the sea breeze, detracting him from his initial thought.

  “They’re like a symbol. Marriage and having kids are typically things Chasers won't experience. I totally get it. After all, I want us to have the ability to get married, too.” Akiko giggled.

  “U-us? I ahhhh, I’m not even 18 yet. I don’t think I'm ready to talk about marriage.” Kenji stammered.

  “What?! No, you goober. I meant the general us. All of us. Not me and you. We’ve been dating for about two days. I'm not crazy.” Akiko shook her head as Kenji laughed at himself. They had only been officially dating since the conclusion of the Canada incident.

  “Anyway, they’ve been doing this longer than we have, and Zac and Shaila symbolize what we can have... eventually. So everyone’s happy, even some of the Oleanders.” Akiko grumbled a bit under her breath.

  “It’s just weird. I get them being excited for Dr. Varma, but Zac never seemed too popular among the Chasers.” Kenji folded his arms and thought.

  “For one, it’s Dr.Varma-Zym now. Secondly, is that how you see it?” Akiko asked.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Sensie Zac, Dr. Varma-Zym, and Mr. Devin have a solid dynamic. Everyone loves Shaila, everyone respects Zac, and everyone fears Devin. That trinity they have is the reason all this works so smoothly.” Akiko responded.

  “Think you mixed up Zac and Devin.” Kenji chuckled.

  “Really, you think so? Well, I guess that makes sense from you and Zac’s point of view. You two Taboo kids only interact with a select group of people you deem worthy.” Akiko laughed as she looked at Kenji’s annoyed face.

  “But take it from this extroverted yet lowly regular human. Everyone respects Zac and, apart from Shaila and Zac, is terrified of Devin.” Akiko said as she rubbed her hands against the goosebumps, raising her exposed arms. Reflexively, Kenji took off his suit coat and draped it over her shoulder.

  “So seeing the two people you love and respect the most find happiness… is awesome, what’s not to be excited about.”

  “I guess you’re right.”

  “I usually am.”

  Kenji laughed at her confident smile and leaned in as Akiko closed her eyes.

  “Yeaaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!! WOOOOOOOO!!!” Kenji and Akiko’s heads snapped in front of them.

  Zipping past them was a barefoot Travis, still fully dressed in his suit from the ceremony, on a dull neon blue psionic skimboard. He rode back from the breaking waves and continued skimboarding off into the night down the beach. Splashing Akiko and Kenji as he boarded past them.

  “Well, it looks like you guys found Travis. Maybe Patricia can finally relax a little bit.” Shaila approached as the three watched Travis and his board flip into the sea in the distance.

  “I’m sure he’s fine.” Shaila sighed as she texted Patricia, aka Mawu, letting her know what Travis was up to. Patricia had been looking for Travis since he disappeared halfway through the reception.

  “Akiko, if you don’t mind, can I steal Kenji from you for a few minutes?” Shaila asked.

  “No, go ahead. I’m going to try talking to Zac’s mom.”

  “Good luck.” Shaila and Kenji wished her luck as Akiko visibly tried to pump herself up.

  “What do you want to talk about?” Kenji broke the momentary silence.

  “Nothing important. I just wanted to give you something.”

  “Shouldn’t I be the one getting you gifts on your wedding day?” Kenji jokes.

  “I don’t expect gifts from first-year college students and teenagers, ok? Even if you’re better off than most.”

  “Didn’t Ume give you the Mandap?” Kenji raised an eyebrow.

  “My husband’s mentee can control plants. How could I not take advantage of that to have a flower Mandap of any bride's dream?” Shaila laughed as she handed Kenji a small jewelry box.

  Inside the box was a very plain-looking bracelet. Hanging on it was a small cube, not much larger than a typical pearl.

  “Looks pretty cool. What is it? Can't it just be a normal bracelet, right?” Kenji said as he looked at the hanging cube.

  “You are correct. Hopefully, you’ll never have to find out what it is. Just keep it on you. Also, if you hear it beeping, you have about 30 seconds-”

  “What? Is it going to explode?!” Kenji held the bracelet out in front of him with a weary expression.

  “Let me finish… You have 30 seconds to get somewhere private or at least be surrounded by people you trust. I gave one to Ume, too.” Shaila said with a smile.

  “Right… ok. What, does it have some kind of secret message?”

  “Like I said, hopefully, you’ll never have to find out.” Shaila sighed.

  “Before you go, I have a question for you.” Kenji stopped Shaila from walking away.

  “Go ahead.”

  “How does it feel to be Dr. Varma-Zym?” Kenji asked.

  “After my parents died, I never thought I’d be truly happy again, and yet, this is the happiest I’ve ever been. It’s just that…” Shaila paused.

  “Just that what?”

  “I know this isn’t the happiest I could be.”

  “Right…your parents.” Kenji sighed.

  “That’s why I’m doing everything in my power to ensure I can be there every step of the way for this little one.” Shaila smiled as she rubbed her belly.

  “See you later, Kenji.”

  “Enjoy the rest of your night, Doc. And congratulations.” Kenji waved goodbye to Shaila. Who smiled back at him before disappearing back into the reception.

  Kenji looked down at the bracelet he had just received, then stared at the moon.

  “Alright, no more running.”