A week after the bachelor and bachelorette parties, the wedding day arrived.
Ceremony time was fast approaching.
In a small private room, a tall, muscular man with a horizontal scar across his nose peered into the mirror and dabbed sweat from his face with a soft cloth.
"You can do this, Hammerhead. Mr. Caspian gave you a second shot at life." He adjusted his priestly robes, rehearsing his lines.
Hammerhead nearly suffered a heart attack when Genos, King, and the man who once tried to claim his life, Sonic, appeared before him while he was shopping. Though his heart didn't give out, his consciousness did. If not for his thick skull, he would've died from the impact against the pavement.
Click
"Hammerhead, the wedding ceremony begins in five minutes. Failure is forbidden on the day of our chosen one's wedding."
A robed man entered the room. He was bald and wore a wreath around his head, along with goggles partially covering his eyes. Tetrahedron-shaped earrings dangled from his earlobes.
His name was Infelsinave, the founder of 'The Church of Otherworldly Reincarnation,' the Religious Branch of the Carbonated Alliance.
Mr. Caspian, according to Infelsinave, was the real deal. Someone who successfully transferred their soul with memories intact. How he determined that detail remains unclear.
Regardless, Hammerhead went from being completely broke and teetering on the cusp of a lengthy prison sentence to gaining a well-paying, stable career and full protection from all those he had wronged in the past.
Life does have a funny way of working itself out.
"It is time, Hammerhead. It is your greatest privilege to have been requested to conduct the ceremony." Infelsinave placed a palm on his shoulder. "Do well today and you will become my second in command."
He lowered his voice. "If you become my second in command, there are many gorgeous women who would love to become your brides.
And you are aware that there is no limit to the number of wives you can have in 'The Church of Otherworldly Reincarnation.'
However, there is a strict rule, straight from the Chosen One himself: All parties involved in the marriage must consent of their own volition, with no outside circumstances such as blackmail influencing their decision."
Infelsinave's gaze peered straight into his soul. "Should you, I, or anyone else break this rule, regardless of gender or background, they will be delivered to the Great Brightness above."
Hammerhead did his best not to pass out from fear. "Y-Yes Leader! I understand. I would and will never do such a heinous action!"
"Correct answer. Now go give the most important ceremony of our lives."
¤ ¤ ¤
"Uh, friends. Heroes. Other... entities," Hammerhead began.
Infelsinave sat off to the side of the altar and couldn't help but be awed by the impressive gathering of people here today. He had conducted extensive research into every person attending.
It was also worth mentioning the amount of publicity generated by the wedding, which brought his follower count from forty to sixty million. With no signs of slowing down.
All thanks to the composed groom waiting in front of his groomsmen. Caspian stood with quiet confidence, wearing a perfectly tailored black tuxedo. The sharp lines of the shoulders and lapels created a striking contrast against the crisp white of his dress shirt. But the most impressive characteristic remained his bald head. Its indefectible level of polish and sheer grandeur seemed almost supernatural, worthy of reverence and worship. At least, Infelsinave believed so with unwavering conviction.
Six bridesmaids stood opposite him. The foremost one, he could sense, was an off-worlder, and not in the same way the groomsman Boros was. No, Va'thera's Signature originated from somewhere else entirely.
Infelsinave glanced away and took amusement in the gazes sent toward the various non-humans, especially how they kept looking toward the towering figure in the back, the one of myriad green shades.
"All rise," Hammerhead commanded. He turned to face the massive, ornate doors at the far end of the aisle. "For the presentation of the brides." When his voice faded, the great doors swung open as the organ's melody filled the packed room.
With the doors fully parted, the first bride was revealed: Yuta, wearing a brilliant white A-line wedding dress that matched the pristine color of her hair and contrasted beautifully with her warm golden-brown skin.
In her hands she held a single-stem bouquet crafted from a White Dahlia. The delicate flower, he had learned, was the cherished favorite of her late mother.
From her side stepped her father, Amahare, and together they began their graceful walk down the aisle.
When Yuta reached the altar. Amahare placed her hand in Caspian's, giving the groom a look of solemn trust before stepping back to his seat. She looked up at Caspian and unveiled a radiant, heartfelt smile across her face. A look of pure joy and unwavering commitment.
Caspian returned the expression, and then it was the next bride's turn to walk down the aisle.
Suiko stood ready, clutching a single-stem White Dahlia bouquet. All the brides would carry one, in fact, honoring Yuta's mother. The high-low wedding dress she wore was a masterpiece of intricate texture. Sheer champagne-colored organza draped elegantly over a solid base, embroidered with a dense pattern of delicate white floral outlines that caught the colored light streaming through the stained glass windows with each movement.
A tall man with black hair tied in a neat ponytail, Suiryu, walked to her side before they proceeded down the aisle with measured steps. Like with Yuta's father before him, Suiko's brother gave her hand to Caspian with ceremonial grace, and the two shared a warm smile filled with cherished memories of their precious moments together.
With Mosquito Girl's turn up next, she drew all eyes to her striking form. Her figure was adorned in a white trumpet-style wedding dress, fitted flawlessly through the bust, waist and hips, then flaring out with dramatic volume at the bottom. What truly captivated onlookers was a pair of delicate transparent wings unfurled from her upper back, which fluttered as she stood there in quiet anticipation.
Walking over to stand by her side was a man with clean cut hair and polished rectangular glasses. A world-renowned scientist who had mysteriously disappeared from the public eye many years ago. It was a true honor to have him present for this momentous occasion. Together, they made their way down the aisle. As Dr. Genus placed her hand in Caspian's with ceremonial grace, her wings fluttered rapidly with anticipation.
All eyes then turned to the next bride, famous idol Wavygyaza. Her crepe and lace sheath dress shimmered with every breath, sequins glinting across the ivory fabric. A high slit revealed one leg as she moved.
Stepping out to walk her down the aisle was a young man, his black hair cut into a bowl shape which protruded from his head. Through Infelsinave's extensive investigation, he uncovered that this man is a world-class scientist named Doctor Kuseno. To reach such a level at his age was very impressive.
The last three brides stepped out together and interlocked their hands. This action drew some whispers and peculiar looks, as expected during such a grand wedding.
In the middle was Fubuki, garbed in a lace fit-and-flare wedding dress with long sleeves. It had a gorgeous lace pattern that highlighted the sheer long sleeves and accentuated her ample cleavage in the sweetheart bodice, which transitioned into a flared skirt that ended in a long train.
Psykos stood to her right, turquoise waves cascading down her back. Her off-shoulder tulle mermaid dress clung to her voluptuous figure, accentuating her generous curves and full bust while striking the perfect balance between opulence and allure.
And lastly was a petite woman whose presence could not be understated, Tatsumaki. Her choice of attire was a defiant masterwork, the most unique of all the brides. It was her signature black dress, reborn in a snow-white hue.
Crafted from heavy, form-fitting silk, the gown featured a dramatic plunging V-neck with a high collar that framed her throat. Her iconic trumpet sleeves flared wide from her wrists. On her feet, she wore matching white, low-heeled shoes that completed her regal appearance.
Like the brides before them, these three were goddesses of equal status. Seven brides who towered over the pinnacle and were only suited to be with such a groom.
Caspian, the Chosen One of The Church of Otherworldly Reincarnation.
¤ ¤ ¤
The great ornate doors boomed shut as profound silence fell over the church.
Sweat trickled down Hammerhead's forehead. It was now or never. Everything so far had gone much smoother than expected, but now, during the final stretch, things would prove critical.
I cannot fail!
Seven brides. All here. They stared at Caspian with an intensity difficult to describe while he glanced between each of them with quiet reverence.
His job was to stitch this whole impossible thing together.
Hammerhead took a deep breath, the fabric of his priestly robes straining at the seams. "Alright," he said, his voice steadier than he felt. "We're here. You're here. He's here." He gestured with a thumb at Caspian. "Everyone who's supposed to be here is here. So let us get to the important part."
He scanned the front pews before speaking. S-Class Heroes and Hero Association members filled one side. The New Neo Leaders sat opposite them, joined by the Blizzard Group, the Carbonated Alliance's most prominent branch. Hammerhead took a breath and refocused.
"Marriage," he continued, his voice finding a new, deeper rhythm, "is more than a partnership. It is a fortress you build together against the chaos. It's facing down whatever monster or cosmic threat the world throws at you and knowing you are not alone."
He looked at Caspian. "It is built on trust." His gaze swept across the seven brides. "And it is forged in courage."
Hammerhead nodded to Genos. The cyborg, in his role as Best Man, stepped forward and presented a large, ornate wooden box, holding it with the steady, unwavering reverence of a knight presenting a sacred relic. Inside, seven distinct bands rested on black velvet, each one unique and meaningful.
"And now, the symbols of your promise," Hammerhead announced in a solemn tone. "Caspian, present the rings."
He motioned the groom forward, guiding the ceremony's most intricate dance. "You will place the ring on Yuta's finger. Yuta, you will then place your ring on his."
The church held its breath. Caspian took the first ring, a silver band, and stepped toward Yuta. As he slid it onto her finger, it was not just a piece of metal, but a silent oath given form. She took a matching ring from the box Genos held and did the same for him. The first vow was sealed with quiet grace.
He moved to Suiko, the exchange sharp and confident. Next, Mosquito Girl, whose wings generated a soft breeze that stirred the air around them. He crossed to Wavygyaza, her actions serene and graceful as befitting her artistic nature. Fubuki followed, the exchange as regal and composed as a queen accepting a crown, but her bright red face and tearful eyes betrayed her overwhelming emotion. After her came Psykos, the ritual performed with loving precision and careful attention to detail.
Finally, he stood before Tatsumaki. Caspian slid the ring onto her finger with gentle reverence.
In response, she looked toward the box Genos held. A faint emerald aura illuminated around her designated ring. It lifted from the velvet, preparing to float onto Caspian's hand in a display of her formidable power.
But then it stopped. The ring hovered for a half-second, the green light faltering as Tatsumaki's eyes flickered from her floating creation to Caspian's waiting, outstretched hand. A flash of indecision crossed her face, or perhaps something else altogether. The ring lowered and settled back into its slot with a small thud.
She sighed, then reached out and took the ring from the box. She slid it onto Caspian's finger with her own hands. The simple, manual act carried more weight than any display of power could.
Caspian's left hand now wore seven distinct rings. A gauntlet of infinite love and devotion.
"Okay," Hammerhead said and cleared his throat. "Now for the final vows."
He faced Caspian first. The groom stood there, looking at those seven rings on his hand with a small, quiet smile. The man looked ready.
"Caspian, do you take these seven women — Yuta, Wavygyaza, Suiko, Fubuki, Tatsumaki, Mosquito Girl, and Psykos — to be your lawfully wedded wives? To have and to hold, to cherish and defend, in this life and whatever comes next?"
Caspian's answer was immediate, clear, and strong. "I do."
Good. One down. Now for the hardest part.
Hammerhead turned to the brides. The collective force of their expectant gazes felt like a physical weight, and he had to get this right. He looked down the line, from Yuta's earnest hope to Tatsumaki's impatient glare.
"And do you, Yuta, Wavygyaza, Suiko, Fubuki, Tatsumaki, Mosquito Girl, and Psykos, take this man, Caspian, to be your lawfully wedded husband?" He let that question hang in the air for a beat, feeling its weight before delivering the final part. "And do you take each other, as sisters born of this bond, to build a new life together?"
A chorus of "I do's" came back at him. It wasn't a perfect, synchronized sound; it was a wave of different voices and tones crashing together into one powerful affirmation.
Hammerhead took a deep breath. "By the power vested in me, and by the sacred vows you have all made here today," his words resounded through the church, "I now pronounce you husband and wives. Bound together as one. For all eternity."
He turned to the groom and said, "You may now kiss your brides."
As Caspian kissed his first wife, applause rose from the pews, led by the Blizzard Group. With each kiss he exchanged, the sound grew. Yuta's earnest joy. Wavygyaza's happy tear trails. Suiko's radiant smile. Fubuki's gentle blush. Tatsumaki's rare, soft expression. Mosquito Girl's wings threatening to carry them into the air. Psykos' satisfied grin. Scattered clapping became a thunderous roar. Heroes and monsters stood as one. Their cheering shook the reinforced foundations of The Church of Otherworldly Reincarnation.
Hammerhead stepped back and let the waves of sound crash over him. It wasn't just sound but relief at a job well done washing over him. With how grateful he was to Mr. Caspian, he wouldn't have minded giving him a little smooch today.
After clearing his mind from such thoughts, he announced with thunderous pride, "Ladies and gentlemen, heroes and... others! I present to you Caspian and his wives!"