Vampire

Doctor Amadhan, Alexxia Moon, Tavia and myself join Dean and Angel to help her with her Vampyri infection.

Angel Dawes is my friend. She was a trusted Nighthunter back in our other world and remains true and loyal even here in this new universe. Trouble is, she was bitten and turned vampire back then by old enemies Court of the Blood Countess and has since been struggling to suppress it. Recently, she has fallen out of control of her vampire side twice, attacking her long time boyfriend Dean and before that, a neighbour at her apartment. What we're doing now to help her is figuring out ways to control the vampire within, either with Alexxia's psychic influence or focused and trained physical control, both options providing a way to retain the vampire and wield it's power for use against evil. But as it turned out, this is something that Angel doesn't want. She hates the blood thirst of the vampire and decided it would be best eradicated completely. Doctor Amadhan took a sample of Angel's mutant-vampire blood for scientific and mystical analysis, in the hope of creating a counter agent that can cure her from the affliction. Angel was pleased about this and expressed desire to have the cure ready as quickly as possible. In the meantime, I asked that Dean keep a close eye on her and where possible, keep her indoors, out of potential harm and out of the sun. I'll be working closely with the good doctor and hopefully reach an anti-vampire solution, sooner rather than later.

Lighthunters

Myself and Tavia Darkrose after an alliance with the Lightunters.

Location: Visitor's Lounge, Hunter's Mansion, Downtown Millennium City, Champions Universe.

Clericus Priest: Angel, Dean. Thank you for coming.
Clericus Priest: Please, have a seat.
Dean Mason: *nods*
Angel Dawes: Thanks Pious.
Angel Dawes: *hops into one of the egg-shaped chairs*
Gadan: Hello
Dean Mason: Hello
Angel Dawes: Hi there..
Clericus Priest: Angel, Dean, Mary, meet my very good friend Gadan.
Angel Dawes: We've met I think
Gadan: Yes we did
Mary Stevens: *nods hello*
Clericus Priest: Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a serious crisis meeting.
Dean Mason: A crisis?
Clericus Priest: I have called you three here because outside of the Ultimate Guardians, you three are my closest allies.
Clericus Priest: Yes.
Dean Mason: Please, continue
Clericus Priest: I have been tracking a demon by the name of Adramelech who I believe has been growing stronger and increasing his hold on our reality, trying to access our world through the minds of children.
Clericus Priest: Seems that's something of a trend these days.
Dean Mason: *Frowns*
Clericus Priest: Adramelech has strong dominion over the Vampyri *momentarily seems conscious of Angel*
Clericus Priest: So together with a fellow Guardian, I infiltrated a vampire den and uncovered a demonic cell known as The New Dawn.
Clericus Priest: During the raid on the vampires, I met *nods to Mary* a friend.
Clericus Priest: Mary?
Gadan: *excuses herself*
Mary Stevens: *greets the gathered with a gentle nod*
Dean Mason: *nods back*
Angel Dawes: *looks over at Mary*
Mary Stevens: I am Sister Mary Stevens, co-leader of the Lighthunters, a branch of the supreme S.L.A.Y.E.R.S society.
Dean Mason: S.L.A.Y.E.R.S?
Mary Stevens: Supreme Legendary Alliance of Yieldless and Enlightened Righteous Slayers.
Dean Mason: I see
Angel Dawes: *blinks*
Mary Stevens: We oversee the galactic and cross-dimensional anti-demon movement.
Mary Stevens: Purifying the multiverse one poor soul at a time.
Dean Mason: Hm..
Clericus Priest: Angel, it seems The Lighthunters are this world's equivalent of our Nighthunters.
Clericus Priest: Only they seem more... connected with the universe.
Angel Dawes: Oh..
Clericus Priest: The Lighthunters have a prophecy.
Angel Dawes: What’s the prophecy?
Clericus Priest: They have been awaiting the arrival of a leader. One they call the Angelspawn. When Mary saw me, she sort of identified me as this Angelspawn. A title that I am in fact familiar with.
Clericus Priest: Of course, I agreed to the role.
Angel Dawes: Evangellelli, or however you say it?
Angel Dawes: *scratches her head*
Clericus Priest: Elli, yes. Elliangellelli, my angelic name, of sorts. So, as of today, I am the new Leader of the Lighthunters and by extension, diplomatic interdimensional senator on the supreme SLAYERS society.
Mary Stevens: Trouble is, myself and one other are all that remain of the Lighthunters. The team were engaged and killed recently during the Daemonic War of the underworld, six weeks ago.
Mary Stevens: Your arrival, Lord Pious, was a little too late.
Angel Dawes: *looks blankly over at Mary*
Angel Dawes: Lord?
Dean Mason: Lord Pious?
Mary Stevens: Well yes, he the Angelspawn, saviour of the Eastern Cosmos.
Clericus Priest: Okay, let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Dean Mason: *looks at Pious*
Angel Dawes: Just Pious...
Angel Dawes: Lord sounds so...uhh...fancy
Clericus Priest: *nods in agreement* Yeah, I'm... I'm just Pious.
Clericus Priest: What we need, are new members to ally with the Lighthunters.
Angel Dawes: Count me in..
Dean Mason: Same here
Clericus Priest: Excellent.
Mary Stevens: There are two things you need to do to be a Lighthunter.
Dean Mason: I will have to hand in my ring along with a letter of resignation to the school
Clericus Priest: *nods* Understood.
Dean Mason: *looks to Mary* What things must we do?
Clericus Priest: What will you tell the school? That you are leaving for the Underworld to join a resistance faction, the Lighthunters, in stopping a Daemonic uprising?
Dean Mason: I doubt that they will believe that
Angel Dawes: Just say you got offered a new job?
Dean Mason: I will come up with something, don’t worry
Angel Dawes: I'm not worried *smiles*
Dean Mason: *smiles*
Mary Stevens: You need to undergo the Rite of Enlightenment and prove yourself good of heart, clean or pure enough to don the Lighthunter's Belt.
Angel Dawes: Oh, sort of like the Nighthunter amulet test
Angel Dawes: *looks questioningly over at Pious*
Clericus Priest: Hmm, yes.
Dean Mason: *Smiles to Angel*
Angel Dawes: *looks down at her hands*
Dean Mason: I think you should tell him
Mary Stevens: *hands the two a Lighthunter's Belt* It's wearable anywhere on the body -- human, beast, spirit or other. The magic within the globe will ascertain the moral alignment of your heart and soul.
Mary Stevens: It can see through your true intentions and reflects this with dim light, bright light or darkness.
Angel Dawes: *looks over at the belt*
Mary Stevens: Put it on and let the magic do it's job.
Clericus Priest: *Watches closely*
Mary Stevens: *watches their lights closely*
[Tell] Angel Dawes: How will the belt react to slumbering vampirism?))
To Angel Dawes: ((What you -are- is not the issue, it judges -who- you are.
To Angel Dawes: ((A good vampire is better than a bad man.
[Tell] Angel Dawes: ((Alrighty then))
Dean Mason: *puts on the belt, causing it's globe to shine brightly*
Clericus Priest: *smiles proudly*
Angel Dawes: *takes the belt off the table and straps it around her leg, the orb shines brightly*
Clericus Priest: *smiles even more proud*
Dean Mason: *takes it off and puts it’s around his arm instead*
Mary Stevens: Perfect.
Angel Dawes: *exhales in relief as she watches the glowing orb*
Dean Mason: *Smiles at Angel*
Mary Stevens: Secondly, you have to look the part. The Lighthunter's Gi is mystical armour with protective and healing properties. It is tailored to instil fear and trepidation in the enemy. Wear it proudly. *gestures to the wardrobe in the hallway*
Mary Stevens: And choose stylishly.
Angel Dawes: Up there?
Mary Stevens: *nods*
Angel Dawes: Okay then
Mary Stevens: Thank you, Pious.
Clericus Priest: No, thank you Sister Mary -- for all your work.
Dean Mason: *smiles at Angel*
Angel Dawes: This actually reminds me of the Nighthunter uniform.
Dean Mason: You look good in it
Angel Dawes: *smirks* Thanks, you too
Dean Mason: *smirks and tips his hat at her*
Angel Dawes: *chuckles*
Clericus Priest: Wow, you two look amazing.
Dean Mason: Thank you Pious
Mary Stevens: Well chosen.
Angel Dawes: Thanks...
Angel Dawes: *draws an arrow and looks at it* These needs replacing though..
Dean Mason: *inspects the gun in his holster* Hm... I will have to replace this with my own
Mary Stevens: As per tradition, we will meet every Wednesday at Nightfall to plot and strike at those who dare to go 'bump' in the night or operate against the light. We will start next week. Is this agreeable?
Dean Mason: *nods* It is
Angel Dawes: You can count on me.
Clericus Priest: It is doable.
Mary Stevens: It is decided then.
Mary Stevens: Dean, Angel, Pious. Until next time, meeting adjourned.
Clericus Priest: *smiles a little*
Clericus Priest: Thank you Sister Mary.
Dean Mason: Thank you
Mary Stevens: *leaves the Mansion*
Angel Dawes: *nods at Mary*
Clericus Priest: Well, that went well.
Angel Dawes: *adjusts the orb belt a little*
Angel Dawes: Indeed
Dean Mason: *smiles*
Clericus Priest: On any other day of the week, we will likely be working above ground, with my allies of the Ultimate Guardians.
Dean Mason: I see
Clericus Priest: We shall act as a coalition.
Angel Dawes: *adjusts Dean's uniform a little*
Clericus Priest: There are some things a small team cannot accomplish without outside aide.
Dean Mason: *smiles to Angel*
Clericus Priest: See you again next week? In all your dashing uniformed glory. *smiles*
Dean Mason: *Takes off his hat and puts it on Angel's head*
Angel Dawes: *chuckles lightly*
Dean Mason: Of course
Angel Dawes: Will do pardner *draws an air pistol and blows at the "tip"*
Dean Mason: *chuckles*
Clericus Priest: Alright. You're welcomed to stay in my Mansion lounge for a little while longer. Enjoy the skylight.
Dean Mason: *looks to Angel* What do you say?
Angel Dawes: Oh, I was thinking of getting this EHA business sorted out actually
Dean Mason: Hm... A good idea
Clericus Priest: Alright. Let me know as soon as you do.
Angel Dawes: I will Pious
Dean Mason: *nods*
Angel Dawes: Thanks
Angel Dawes: *gives him a hug before she heads for the door*^
Clericus Priest: Just put me in thought, the belt lets you communicate through the mind.
Dean Mason: It will be an honour to join the Lighthunters.
Clericus Priest: *hugs Angel tightly*

Himalayas

Himalayas, a set on Flickr. Images captured by Canon EOS X450 nanocameras designed for field photography.


As promised, I followed Tavia out to the Himalayan mountains in search of her nemesis's base of operations. As was to be expected, being back in the icy cold where she grew up surrounded by violence and cruelty brought some painful memories to Tavia, so I tried to focus her mind instead on the natural beauties of the picturesque landscape, which seemed to help, if only a little. We approached Master Khol Azuma's territory with extreme caution, avoiding the skies and staying low as possible and trying to blend with the environment. Some of the locals that we encountered appeared fearful of Azuma and it soon struck us just how far his influence reached across the neighbouring towns. While we were there, helping the locals with their troubles in exchange for cooperation and information on Azuma, the tyrant's men tracked us down and attacked us. Tavia was lethal as ever and fended off each ambush. She found something, a clue, on one of the would-be assassins, which hinted at Azuma's current operations and gave us insight into his next target. We had work to do now, but planned for frequent returns to the Himalayas, until Khol Azuma was found and re-captured.

Training Room

Tavia monitors my vitals during the Terra Transformation Spell

Tavia's recovered well from injuries sustained at her last nemesis confrontation. We headed into the Tower's training room to get our bodies in shape and our minds focused. I watched her take on the simulated enemies on maximum-medium difficulty settings and her performance was highly impressive, not a single flaw in her reflexes and not a motion wasted in disarming the foe. When it was my turn, I tried out a new Earth spell from my Terra scroll which draws on the mineral energies of the ground beneath to enhance and augment one's physical strength and simultaneously induce panic in the surrounding enemy, due to the threatening appearance and size growth of the transformation. Focus was taxing and Tavia was a little worried about that, but readings showed my vitals stayed normal and well-managed. I probably won't be needing this form in most common combat though.

Tavia's Injuries

Alexxia Moon, Sparrow, Sapphyre and I help Tavia heal.

While I was training with the Guardians, Tavia went out on patrol doing some work for Police Chief Surhoff. Later, our mutual friend and Ultimate Guardian member Sapphyre contacted me to inform me Tavia had suffered injuries on duty. I went to see her at Sapphyre's apartment, but she was most upset about not completing her mission. I avoided the subject of work and asked her to do the same. Sapphyre went to get food and drink for Tavia, so she could eat and regain energy, but she was too affected about the jailbreak and escape of her nemesis, her old sensei Master Khol Azuma. Alexxia Moon and new guardian Sparrow came in, concerned for Tavia.


With mutual consents Alexxia was able to cast a mind merge which allowed all who were present to share Tavia's memory of the mission. She seemed outnumbered yet with her level of skill, handled herself well enough. When she encountered Azuma however, there was a mage present and something strange happened with her permanently affixed tiara, crippling her instantly and leaving her open to torture. The visage was difficult to watch but with Alexxia's empathic impressions, I was able to retain composure. Eventually, the energies of our collective emotional support for Tavia was enough to manifest as a healing device that purged her of ill-thoughts and worry. With this barrier lifted, she was able to heal herself and return to her usual peace of mind. I will address the problem of Master Azuma with Tavia once she's well and ready. For now, my place is by her side, where I shall offer any methods of support.

Group Combat

Group Combat, a set on Flickr. Images captured by Canon EOS X450 nanocameras designed for field photography.

Dear masses, followers of my new radio broadcasts and avid readers of my online blog, as part of my Internet ministry, website blogs and online sermons I bring you this video montage of your heroes at work in training, not as a platform for boastful glorification but as proof of the good work these hard-working people do, training for the worst scenarios when even their lives might lay at risk. This video is evidence of what they do to keep you safe in this dark and unforgiving world that we live in today. Children and adults young at heart, look up to these iconic exemplars for a reason, drawing inspiration from that awe.


Behold the names and uniforms of these empowering individuals, look how boldly they move to face their adversaries. Do you see the power of their passion, the strengths of their determination? Look how they fight. Unyielding even when faced with insurmountable odds. They mount a strike on the Great Demon of Canada, behold as one bravely stands ahead of the others, willing to take the full brunt of pain and punishment for his kin, as Christ himself inspires us to do, watch as the healer cares for him so, nursing him, never to leave his side. Towards the end of battle, one of their number falls but is quickly helped back to her feet. These are moral examples that we can all follow and apply in our daily lives.


You do not necessarily need to be metahuman to be great, only the will to be the best person you can be. A hero is one who goes out of his or her way to be the good man or woman, and to do the right thing, for the betterment of others. Love thy neighbour and forgive them their sins. Let us not fight amongst each other but instead focus our energies on the quest for peace. If you cannot bear arms against Evil then use the voice you have, gather your courage and speak out against the wicked and unjust. Do this good, and you too can be a hero, a protector of life and innocence, defender of the just and worthy. Ultimately, like the metahumans, the fighters, the practitioners of science and magic, the celestials, extraterrestrials and other such creations who fight on the side of the Light, you, my listeners, can be a Guardian. I pray that with God's blessings, my preachings reach you in good faith and in good health and that this video, generously permitted, has been for you, a true Beacon of Hope.

Guardians Meet

Guardians Meet, a set on Flickr. Images captured on Canon EOS X450 nanocameras.

My list of people I met or learnt about at the Guardians meet include;


Agent Heather - Leader - Energy Powers and Munitions.


Zavrian - Recruit - Zyrnia Alien - Nanite Suit and Force Powers.


Tessi Shadaree - Recruitment Officer - Cryon Alien - Energy Powers.


Real Soviet Damage - Operations Officer - Soviet Bear Alien - Claws.


Kitsune Cowboy - Recruit - Kitsune - Swords and Munitions. Immortal.


Alisha Moon - Student - Protopath and Armed Toys.


Orchid Rain - Student - Gadgets and Munitions.


Alexxia Moon - Gaurdian - Empathic Powers and Technology.


Fii/Kazumi Fione - Recruit - Martial Arts.


Friendly Fire - Co-Leader & Operations Officer - Fire Abilities.


Nocran/Toka Shadaree - Operations Officer - Cryon Alien - Energy Powers.


Trivium - Guardian - Durability and Enhanced Senses.


Newt - Student - Atlantean - Psionic Powers.


Sunny/Yoko Inoue - Student - Strength and Munitions.


Litha Al'Lanore - Recruit - Witch - Magic and Sorcery.


Stormsmith - Recruit - Mystic Engineer - Power Armour, Storm and Lightning.


Crimson Dragon - Guardian - Spirit Magic and Swords.


Atomic Red - Student - Biocreation - Fire Powers.


Captain Kip - Guardian - Lunar Moth Alien - Lycanthropy and Magic Sword.


Grant Mayson - Recruit - Lavarock Skin - Strength and Giant Growth.


Sanctus - Guardian - Fallen Angel - Immortality, Matter Control, Telepathic Weaponry.


Wintersong - Recruit - Lycanthropy


ARO-X - Guardian - Sylonian Battle Dragon - Machine Weaponry and Nanite Healing.


Sapphyre - Recruit - Mystic - Magic and Munitions.


Orga'al/Vassal of Fire - Guardian - Seraphin Angel - Innate Fire Magic.


Ellioten - Guardian - Dutch - Healing and Munitions.


Technogyption - Guardian - Summoning Magic.


Radaeron - Dimension Travelling and Gadgets.


Wraith - Spirit Magic - Endowed by Viran the Mage.


Vortox - Recruit - Canadian - Strength and Durability.


Brou - Recruit - Brou Race - Strength and Durability.


Scar - Guardian - Enchanted Swords.


Orion Prime - Operations Officer - Power Armour.


Blue Shadow - Guardian - Energy Powers.


Plutonian Man - Recruit - Armoured - Ice Powers.


Street Monkey - Guardian - Chiyetan Martial Arts.


Obsidian Stone - Guardian - Strength and Durability.


Land Hunter - Guardian - Salarian Alien - Cybernetics and Sonic Weaponry.


Daikyu - Guardian - Summoning Magic.

Scrying for Sapphyre

Sapphyre, a set on Flickr. Images captured by Canon EOS X450 nanocameras designed for field photography.

Tavia and I have been dating now and are officially an item. This time last week I'd have never even considered the possibility of meeting a soul mate so rare and special as I have found in Tavia, and it occurred to me what an impossible situation it'd be were I too loose her. So I did what any man desperately in love with a woman would do to keep her, or at least, one living in fear of loosing her and wanting to make the most of the time still shared -- I asked her to marry me. Tavia said yes and it made my day.


Since then, we have been out on the field, doing what we both do best; stopping crime and fighting evil. Tavia's friend Sapphyre, who I knew as a fellow member of the Ultimate Guardians called us for help, following a domestic incident at her home. We found her cowering in a corner holding up some sort of hex shield. She explained that a friend of her husband, who is currently missing, got very violent with her after a heated arguement and actually transformed into some kind of demonic form, prompting her to cast a defensive expulsion spell that blasted him out of the apartment. Tavia was very concerned and in the end, it was decided that finding this man or demon, called Taggart was of utmost importance, both for the protection of Sapphyre and the safety of others in the city. The three of us formed a meditation circle and used a tie that had fallen off Taggart in the blast to trace his location in the City. The scrying ritual was successful and we now know where Taggart is heading for next; the Millennium City Museum of Antiquities, what he seeks to gain from there and why he attacked Sapphyre in the first place, we are yet to find out.

Tavia Darkrose

Tavia Darkrose, a set on Flickr. Images captured by Canon EOS X450 nanocameras designed for field photography.

I thought I was going Downtown to help Alexxia with a soulful confession, only to be lured into a crisis at the plaza, with demons roaming unchecked. Of course I didn't mind arriving to see I was in time to help. As it was, there was already another person there, a girl who I assumed was on the scene to save the day. Turns out Alexxia had lured us both there for a date. A blind date, within a mission. The plaza entered shut-down to contain the demon threat and Alexxia left the girl and I to deal with it. We made short work of the first wave, and the second and third, fourth and so forth. They just kept coming, and I hadn't the scrolls to force close the Qliphothic tear.


I got to know more about my surprise date as the fighting went on. Her name was Tavia Darkrose, a fascinating name I thought and her skills with the sword were unbelievable. Her movements in battle were both gracious and deadly, an efficient and intricate blend of technique and discipline, with a touch of style. She made an art of it, a perfect execution of a warrior's dance and I was mesmerised. There were strawberries and wine mysteriously and rather strategically positioned in the plaza so we would find them. I learnt that Tavia had only met Alexxia recently and already she knew her for her caring, cupid-like tendencies. It took great effort to abandon the mission and sit with Tavia, something I had never thought possible of me. But I found myself hungry to learn more about Tavia.


We exchanged stories and she told me all about her past. A stolen childhood and a forced martial arts background. She found it hard to talk about it and I appreciated her putting faith in me. So I did the same and revealed all there was to reveal about me, my past, my hopes, my weaknesses. Tavia's tale tapped into a part of me I had thought unreachable. I felt responsible for her, and wanted to offer some relief from the pain and darkness of her past, so we kissed. Honestly, it was indescribable. It was magic. It was as though for that brief moment all the world was at peace. Evil had no place in it, there was no mission, no duty. Just the simple and undeniable feeling of bliss. I knew from that moment that fate had set for me a new course, one of peace of mind, and Tavia was my constant. Reprieve from this endless punishment of concern for the world. It was a sign and I thanked my angels for sending down one of their own.

Tragedy of Duty

I look upon the glass and duty is all I see.

Dear readers, my entry for this week is more personal than I am accustomed to. Since a certain catastrophic incident last year involving a dimensional spell gone awry, during which my then-wife and I and several others who were present, suffered mild temporal displacement and a complete loss of shared history, I have been an unmarried man, living in heartache. Of course I found my ex-wife and tried talking with her, but she could not remember, as I did. I was nothing more than a stranger.


I've always been a distant and anti-social type of a man, focused only on duty. But loosing my wife, through fault of my own errors, had a traumatic and lasting effect on my ability to associate or mingle sociably with others. I worry that I may bring harm to them, or even, that I do not deserve companionship. Furthermore, the nature of what I do brings a certain height of risk, the risk of pain, endless worry and even death. I convinced myself that a hunter of evil, a hero, cannot live for himself, but only for the protection of the world.


To facilitate my need to try and save everyone, I joined a larger force. I joined the Ultimate Guardians. But even then I could not open up to others on my team. Of course I tried. I made myself seen to be mingling, said all the right things, did everything expected of me, went through the motions. But inside, I was lonely. Always busy doing the only thing I did best; expelling demons. That's when she found me. Alexxia Moon, who would force me to see the world with new eyes, and force me to meet the some one new... Tavia.

Search and Rescue

S&R Training, a set on Flickr. Images captured by Canon EOS X450 nanocameras designed for field photography.

Ultimate Guardian's weekly training was held today by Real Soviet Damage who played audio SOS recordings of hostages being held at five different locations across the Southern Desert. Our job as heroes was to deduce the locations of said hostages from clues hidden in their often confusing SOS messages. The search and rescue, of course, required us to get to these locations and find the hostage before it was too late (arrival of opponent team Chusi, Stan and new member Franky). The task required teamwork and effective communication and my particular team, which included the lovely Alexxia Moon worked mainly on the strengths of speed, covering enough ground while keeping up constant comms updates during the entirety of search and rescue operations.

Wedding Day

Wedding Day, a set on Flickr. Images captured by Canon EOS X450 nanocameras designed for field photography.

The Wedding of Jonathan and Melissa Wixston

Order of Service

Introductory Rites
(12:50) Prelude - "Amazing Grace"
(1:00) Seating of the Families
(1:02) Greeting from Father Pious Hunter
(1:04) Entrance of the Bride - "Bridal Chorus"
(1:06) Opening Prayer
Liturgy of the Word
(1:08) Bible Reading, 2 Corinthians 12:31-13:8
(1:12) Gospel Acclamation, "Celtic Alleluia"
(1:14) Gospel Reading, Matthew 5:1-12
Marriage Rite
(1:18) Invitation
(1:20) Stating Intentions
(1:22) Exchange of Consent
(1:24) Exchange of Rings
(1:26) Lighting Unity Candle/Hymn – “Ave Maria”
(1:30) Prayer of the Faithful
Concluding Rites
(1:34) Signing of the Register and Certificates
(1:36) The Lord's Prayer
(1:38) Final Blessing
(1:40) Dismissal/Procession to Club Caprice
(End.) Organ - "Wedding March"

Prelude - "Amazing Grace"

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT88jBAoVIM)

"All please be seated", I began.

"May the groom and his best man stand to position? Thank you. Choir, The Wedding Song please, while we wait for the bride."

*They sing as the bride gracefully descents the isle*

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFTnFErJEu4)

“Here comes the bride
“All dressed in white,
“Sweetly, serenely in the soft glowing light.
“Lovely to see, marching to thee,
“Sweet love united for eternity.”

*Bride and Groom exchange a warm smile as the service begins*

“In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the sweet fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Let us bring our attention to Corinthians 2, chapter 12 verse 31 to chapter 13 verse 8. 

“Be ambitious for the higher gifts. And I am going to show you a way that is better than any of them. If I have all the eloquence of men or of angels, but speak without love, I am simply a gong booming or a cymbal clashing. If I have the gift of prophecy, understanding all the mysteries there are, and knowing everything, and if I have faith in all its fullness, to move mountains, but without love, then I am nothing at all. If I give away all that I possess, piece by piece, and if I even let them take my body to burn it, but am without love, it will do me no good whatever. Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offense, and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people's sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure what comes. Love does not come to an end. This is the word of the Lord."

"You see, in a world of constant danger and life threatening conflicts, one comes to cherish the smaller things in life. The simple elevation of joy this day brings to our couple, the look of hope shining in their eyes and the sound of true love carried in their beautiful voices. It makes me appreciate my responsibilities up here all the more, as it took a lot for this world’s Church to reinstate me."

“Let us sing the Gospel Acclimation”

(http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=HUWmQl4laGs)

“Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! “Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! “Stay awake, pray at all times, “praying that you may be strengthened, “that with confidence “you can meet the Son of Man. “Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

"Let us read from the book of Matthews, chapter 5, verses 1 to 12" said the Priest.”

"Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them saying: 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Jonathan and Melissa, may you find blessing in all that you do."

*A moment passes as Cleric lowers his bible and stands directly before the bride and groom, ready to begin the Rite of Marriage.*

"In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the sweet fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all, Amen"

*Cleric prays, signing the cross as he did so.*

"Jonathan Wixston, Melissa Dawn, we gather here today, in this place so that the Lord may seal and strengthen your love in the presence of the Church's minister and this community. Christ abundantly blesses this love. He has already consecrated you in birth and now he enriches and strengthens you by sacrament so that you may assume the duties of marriage in mutual and lasting fidelity."

*Cleric pauses momentarily*

"If there is anyone here who has any reason why these two shouldn't wed, speak now or forever hold your peace."

*Cleric invites the congregation to objections.*

"Alright then. In the presence of the Church, I ask you to state your intentions.”

“Jonathan Wixston and Melissa Dawn, have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage?"

"I have" said Jonathan.

"I have" said Melissa.

"Will you love and honour each other as man and wife for the rest of your lives?"

"I will" said Jonathan.

"I will" said Melissa.

"Will you accept children lovingly from God and bring them up in the light of Good?"

"We will" said Jonathan.

"We will" said Melissa.

"Do you, Jonathan Wixston, take Melissa Dawn, as your lawful wife, to love and to honour, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, all the days of your life?"

"I do" said Jonathan.

"Do you, Melissa Dawn, take Jonathan Wixston, as your lawful husband, to love and to honour, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, all the days of your life?"

"I do" said Melissa.

"You have declared your consent before the church. May the Lord in his goodness strengthen your consent and fill you both with his blessings. What God has joined, no one must divide. Amen"

"The rings, please."

*Dr Jack, the Best Man hands over the rings*

"A circle is the symbol of wholeness, perfection, and unity. Like circles, these rings have no beginning and no end. They are tokens of the growing relationship that Jonathan and Melissa have come here to celebrate and confirm. Lord, bless and consecrate Jonathan Wixston and Melissa Dawn in their love for each other. May these rings be a symbol of true faith in each other, and always remind them of their love, that they are one in heart and mind. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen"

*Cleric offers the rings to the bride and groom respectively*

"Jonathan, Melissa, you may exchange rings and custom vows. After it, well, I guess it wouldn't be inappropriate to kiss the bride"

*gives a warming smile and the couple exchange vows*

*As the couple kiss, the final hymn plays – “Ave Maria”*

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvVDbc6t1js)

"Jon and Melissa are going to light their Unity Candle, a symbol of their relationship and love. The candles from which they light it have been lit by their friends to represent their lives to this moment"

*gestures over to the candles for Jon and Melissa, urging them to light the middle one*

*an Angel of the Lord graces the congregation with its divine presence and Cleric bows humbly*

*Cleric continues as the Angel fades away once again*

"The lights, representing the faith, wisdom, and love they have received in their lives, are distinct, each burning alone. Jon and Melissa will light the centre candle to symbolize the union of their lives. As this one light burns undivided, so shall their love be one. Amen."

*gestures them back to their positions*

"May the radiance of this one light be a testimony of their unity, may these candles burn brightly as symbols of their commitment to each other, and as a tribute to their family and friends' everlasting love for them. Amen."

"My dear friends let us pray to our Father in heaven that he will keep Jonathan and Melissa Wixston united in undivided love, and that he will bless them throughout their married life. That their love may be patient and gentle, ready to trust, and to endure whatever comes. Lord, hear us. That God will bless their daily and heroic work and perfect through them his work of creation. Lord, hear us. That his peace may dwell in their home and give hope of peace to the world. Lord, hear us. That the Church will bring salvation to the world by expressing Christ's love for all people. Lord, hear us. Almighty God, you have come into the lives of Jonathan and Melissa Wixston through the gift of married love. Remain with them always, and show your great love for those who call you their Father. 

"We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen."

*Cleric produces the Certificate of Marriage and signs his name as Minister*

*Passes the two quills to the bride and groom, to sign their names*

"The Lord's prayer" I asked, and the congregation prays.

"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallow'd be Thy Name.
“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.“Give us this day our daily bread,
“And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us,
“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,
“For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen."

"God the eternal Father keep you in love with each other, so that the peace of Christ may stay with you and be always in your home. May your children bless you, your friends console you and all men live in peace with you. May you always bear witness to the love of God in this world so that the afflicted and the needy will find you true heroes and generous friends. May almighty God bless you all."

*Cleric smiles to the new couple, hearing the ceremony’s concluding music, the Wedding March*

(http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=jdmTxxpESD8)

*whispers to the couple*

“I know you’re married now, but it’s not the end of the world, smile, go get drunk! I’ll see you at the Club Caprice reception really soon.”

*smiles and sneaks off as the bouquet is thrown*

*Helena in her true giant form catches it and the girls fight for it. It remains unclear who has the bouquet*