When your father is God and your grandfather is the Devil, you may well give everyone a surprise and make your parents very happy and proud indeed...
The moment Alexander arrived in the garden he immediately saw why Samantha wanted to keep him away from here until the last minute. Crowley had more than clearly been at work here. All the walls surrounding the courtyard garden were richly decorated with a floral display. The center aisle was decorated with white flowers of all kinds. The open pergola under which two symbolic thrones stood for Samantha and himself was decorated with blue roses and a multitude of greenery. But what touched him most was that Red had made sure that in front of those thrones was a marble bench. Not just any bench. The bench that Sam and he had sat on the first morning after he regained consciousness. He walked up to the bench and took a seat. Samantha held the rest away from him for a moment before she sat down next to him as she had back then and took his hand, seeing tears on his face as he stared off into the distance. She sat beside him in silence for a minute or two after which she manifested a cigarette for him. She asked:
"Are you okay love?
"Perfectly fine Red."
He inhaled deeply once and then let the cigarette disappear into thin air and said:
"I'm not going to need these anymore Sam. I'm finally back home. Home with you, with Fuzzie, with Mom and Robert. Surrounded by our siblings, by people who love me, who love us. I no longer need to escape for a while or escape my reality. To be completely free in my head for a moment. This is full circle babe."
She smiled at him, gave him a gentle kiss on his cheek, and said softly:
"Welcome home my love."
After everyone took their seats and Sam and Alex took their thrones, the second part of the ceremony began. All the Angels and Demons were glued to the screens. No one wanted to miss a second of this wedding. An Angel and a Demon were to get married. They were all waiting in suspense, feeling the big moment getting closer and closer. Their Goddess and God would soon be married, and they couldn't be happier. To his surprise, Alex noticed Crowley and Lucifer standing on the right side of the bench. The Devil, of course, in a tailored dark suit. Anthony pleasantly surprised him, dressed in a snow-white tuxedo with a black bow. When Michael came to stand on the left side of the bench, he saw Aziraphael and Crowley's intent in their choice of their witnesses. Lucifer who had given the Demon his freedom and Michael who had given the Angel his freedom. The wedding march resounded, announcing Azi's arrival. David nervously came to stand beside Michael for he had the couple's rings with him. The first to appear were Elise and Maximus. That image was simultaneously cute and comical. Apparently, there had been no escape for Max from the bridesmaids. The cat/dog seemed to be wearing the top half of a tuxedo including a bowtie and had the handle of a basket filled with flower petals in his muzzle. From time to time, Elise reached into the basket with her small hands and did her best to scatter them in an orderly fashion. Something that didn't really work out but which no one minded on the contrary everyone thought she was cute the way she did her best. She was followed at a little distance by Azi in a perfect black tuxedo with a white tie. He was escorted to the bench by Franklin the God of all creation and Alexander could not be more thankful for that gesture. Everyone immediately understood that the two wanted to pay respect to each other through their choice of clothing. The four girls wore a beautiful long dress, colored black and white. The moment Azi started walking down the center aisle, everyone stood up and all the guests started applauding. That was the example for those who followed via the screens to follow suit and that was very clearly audible in the garden. Azi reached the left side of the bench, Franklin kissed him on the cheek and went to take his seat. Alex said:
"Gentlemen please sit down."
After the pair of grooms took their seats, the rest of those present took their seats. Alexander remained standing and everyone saw in his eyes how incredibly proud he was of his two idiots. He said:
"Crowley and Azi I have hoped and dreamed for thousands of years that this moment would come, that I would be able to witness your wedding. Then again that you chose me to bless it does not surprise me at all because everyone knows how gargantuan fantastic I am."
This not only provoked laughter from those present in the garden. Most of the Demons and Angels who followed the spectacle through the big screens began to know their God and his sometimes mischievous behavior better and better, so they could have a good laugh at this too.
"This is your big day but not only yours. This is a big day for everyone. A day that until recently would have been impossible. Samantha and I are so incredibly proud and so incredibly happy for you. Today not only will your dream come true. Because of your desire to marry each other, our dream is also coming true. A dream that began on the very bench you are sitting on right now. A picture of everyone's future began to take shape on that bench. The beginning of your journey was not easy. You were diametrically opposed to each other, each convinced of his own rightfulness. That the camp to which you belonged was the camp of truth. Azi and Crowley, unfortunately, you had to learn the hard way that neither camp held the truth. Once you knew that, you threw off the shackles and went your separate ways. Your long journey ends here and now on this bench. On our bench where Samantha's and my dream began. What your Goddess and I have to say is welcome home. You have come home, and you are now showing your family and your thousands of new friends the incredible treasure you have found on your journey. That treasure does not consist of gold or diamonds as people on Earth lust after. The treasure consists of the fact that you have given each other your hearts so that you can live with a heart that has become one, can be one."
During Alex's speech, it had become quiet, and many had moist eyes, even a tear flowed here and there. The many thousands who were glued to the screens had become equally silent. Everywhere in Heaven and Hell, it was silent. Samantha stood up and came to stand next to Alexander with a thin gold chain in her hand. Alex looked at David and asked:
"David, son may we have the rings?"
The boy came to stand between his father and mother with the two rings on a small silver platter. Alex looked at Michael:
"Michael, you are Aziraphael's best man. Is there any reason why I should not marry this Angel to the partner of his choice?"
"No, MyLord, I can testify that this Angel has freely chosen Crowley as his partner without any coercion or pressure and wants to be joined in union."
Samantha took a ring from the tray in which angel wings were engraved and gave it to Azi with a broad smile. The latter slid the ring on his Demon's finger. Alex turned to Lucifer:
"Lucifer the Bringer of Light, you are Crowley's best man. Is there any reason why I may not bind this Demon in marriage to the partner of his choice?"
"No, MyLord, I can testify that this Demon has freely chosen Aziraphael as his partner of choice, without any coercion or pressure, and wants to be joined in union."
Sam took the second ring from the tray. This one had a snake engraved and she gave it to Crowley. The Demon slid the ring on his Angel's finger. After which Samantha said:
"Please hold each other's hand."
The two did as they were asked, and she tied the gold chain around their linked hands. She said:
"This is the sign of your union may this bond never be broken."
Alexander placed his hand on Samantha's after which they took on a golden glow and the chain seemed to disappear in Azi and Crowley's hands.
With a broad smile, Alex said:
"And with this, I have the honor of declaring you husband and husband. You may kiss each other but..."
He looked mischievously at Beatrice before finishing his sentence:
"Just keep it a little chaste because we have children present here, one of whom thinks other things are Eeuuuw."
Trixie turned all red and this provoked some laughter. Then Crowley and Azi kissed each other whereby thunderous applause erupted. The girls had apparently received a crash course in manifesting because, at the moment of their kiss, it suddenly rained rose petals.
After congratulating his two idiots once again after the ceremony, Alex had retreated to his war room. Sam had gone to help the girls and Ella get ready for her ceremony. He looked at his boards one by one and then drew a line through them with a thick red marker. On the board in the absolute center, he had written something in a square at the very beginning of his preparation for his six-thousand-year journey through time and then immediately taped it off with a piece of paper so no one could see what was written underneath. The paper read:
"DO NOT TOUCH OR I GO OLD TESTAMENT!!!!!"
Alex had placed his fingertips gently on the paper and was completely lost in his thoughts. He had not heard the other Gods enter. When the four of them saw him standing like this and tears were running down his cheeks while he had a warm wide smile on his face they had stopped for a moment. After a few minutes, his two mothers came to stand beside him, and each put an arm around his waist. Aisha asked softly:
"Are you okay Alexander?"
Wiping his tears away, he said:
"Couldn't be better Mom."
With a jerk, he pulled the paper off the board. The four could read:"
"ABOVE ALL ELSE MAKE RED MRS. MORNINGSTAR! SO, GET TO WORK! NOW!!!!"
Robert said softly:
"Just a few more hours son, then your main goal will be achieved. How did you say it during our first official meeting where you shocked everyone? The rest is paint by number."
"Yep, from day one I knew that with your daughter in my heart, I could manage anything and everything."
Samantha had entered in absolute silence. Came up behind him, wrapped her arms around his waist, and lay her head on his back:
"And I knew from day one that there was nothing that could stop you."
He turned around took her in his arms and kissed her warmly and passionately.
When they let go of each other Salome asked:
"Shouldn't you cross that one of too?"
"Not me Mom and Sam either. The honor of putting the last line on my boards is yours and Robert's."
Robert asked:
"Why Alex?"
"Without your love for each other Sam would not have existed. This is to say that I take an example from you. This is to say thank you for Sam."
With that, he handed the red marker to Salome who had tears running down her cheeks. He pulled her into his arms and said softly:
"Please wait until after the ceremony Mom..."
It was time for the second wedding of the day, one for which Alexander was quite nervous. With an arm around Samantha's middle, he walked down the center aisle toward their thrones. It had become a custom that he first escorted her to her throne and only then took his place on his own. Once on his throne, he had seen Beatrice standing by Haniel whispering. The Angel gave Beatrice something that she tried to hide but didn't quite manage and rushed to the infirmary to fulfill her task at this second wedding. This time Alex could no longer contain his curiosity. Since it would be several minutes before it would begin Alex beckoned Haniel to him. Haniel joined Alex with a sneaky smile. The latter bent forward for a moment and whispered:
"What did you give that girl?"
"She asked this morning if I could manifest a small digital camera that could take really high-resolution pictures and if I wanted to take some pictures of the ceremony in which she would be elevated to Angel."
"And of course, you have no idea what she needs that for."
Haniel's sneaky smile widened a bit more and he said:
"No idea boss."
Alex shook his head and fired off a message to Gabriel who was standing in front of the throne in no time.
"Gabe, Beatrice, camera, confess!"
"Well now that you mention it boss, she wants to take some pictures of the next weddings and some people in the audience and later in the evening in the marquee and share them with someone, no idea who."
Alex laughed out loud and Samantha who had heard everything couldn't suppress her laughter either. Silently he said:
"Well, I think Decker is going to have a nice collection of wedding photos of Dad and Ella."
"Yep, just too bad we won't get to see the look on her face. That girl takes too much of an example from the Devil, her grandpa Lu, if you ask me."
On the left side of the bench, Rae Rae took her place. On the right Lucifer who, how could it be otherwise, had chosen his twin brother as best man. David, who apparently had not yet mastered his nerves chose to stand very close to Michael. Silently he said to Samantha:
"Our Boy needs a little practice to master his nerves and doesn't stray far from Michael."
She smiled at him and replied so that only he could hear:
"He told me this morning that he was a little afraid of doing something wrong and disappointing us."
Alex stood up and stepped toward the bench, their bench. He motioned David toward him after which they both sat down. Alex took him in an embrace pulled him against his chest and said:
"David, your mom said you're a little scared. That you're afraid to do something wrong and disappoint us. Dear son, making mistakes is part of life, part of growing up. David, you and your sisters but also Malia and Trixie can never disappoint us when you make mistakes. We will always be proud of you and always love you all. Shall I tell you a secret?"
David nodded eagerly because the last time his dad told a secret it had calmed him down considerably. Alex nodded:
"The bench we are sitting on now is very important to your Mom and me. When I arrived here, I was in very bad shape, that's why I had to stay in the infirmary with your Uncle Fuzzy for a while. The first morning I was able to walk a little with the help of your mom we went outside and sat on this very bench. I knew there was going to be a very very important conversation with your grandmothers and grandfathers. I was so incredibly nervous, unsure, and scared. If your mom hadn't held my hand, I would have run away to hide. It's okay to be insecure, nervous, or scared. All we can do is give our best. Remember son that you can always count on your Mom and me. That our hands are always available if you need a hand to hold."
He kissed his son on the head and sent him back to his place. Apparently, they had been on screen the whole time, and everyone had heard what he had said to David because loud applause echoed from outside the garden. He walked back to his throne and Samantha gave him a gentle kiss on the lips after which a deafening applause resounded with cheering. Sam said quietly:
"You are right love, they do indeed like it when we kiss. Maybe I should do it more often."
Now it was his turn to laugh out loud.
Hearing the wedding march, everyone knew that Ella was making her appearance. Again, Elise and Maximus appeared first. Followed at a distance by Ella and the girls. She too was escorted to the bench by Franklin the God of all creation. For this wedding, the girls had apparently chosen a soft pink silk dress. Ella had chosen an elegant but modest white dress with white diamonds and rubies. Alex suspected a symbol of Heaven and Hell. Her almost perpetual ponytail had given way to a loose beautiful hairstyle. The moment Lucifer saw her, his breath was cut off. In her hands, she carried her bridal bouquet, and it was more than obvious that Crowley had taken care of this. The girls had a smaller version of that bouquet. Franklin delivered her to the bench, kissed her on the cheek, and went to take his place next to Aisha. Alex nodded at him as a sign of his gratitude. He rose from his throne and said:
"Miss Lopez and Mister Morningstar, please sit down."
Both sat down and immediately took each other's hand. Alexander really couldn't resist teasing his father a little:
"Before I begin, I have a question for the groom and Azrael."
Everyone saw his mischievous look and the smirk on his face. Most of the guests but certainly Samantha and Ella were already starting to giggle. He asked:
"You two have been punished so severely in the past and now you want me to sentence poor Miss Lopez to an even more severe punishment? From the Devil, I could expect this. But from you Azrael, her best friend? Wanting to see poor Miss Lopez condemned to have to go through life for all eternity as Mrs. Morningstar. How unscrupulous can you be?"
This was enough to make everyone laugh. Alex continued:
"Dear Ella since you and Dad met, I knew you were destined for each other. A soul with so much light and so much warmth. How could it be otherwise than that you are the soul mate of the Lightbringer? His reason for existence was to hang the stars. A task he accomplished with fervor."
He looked into Lucifer's eyes:
"Lucifer, Dad, you now have a new task, a new reason for existence. This is to make this beautiful woman you want to share your life with more than happy. Ella he is your love, and you are his love. Your job is to make him forget Hell so he can warm himself in the light of his favorite star, you..."
He winked at Ella for a moment and got that playful look in his eyes again:
"Some time ago I asked you not to give him a heart attack. Later, I gave that some thought. I came to the conclusion that it's okay to do it anyway. To be honest, I don't care that much about him and I still have two fathers in reserve. So, who cares..."
In case anyone doubted that Alex meant the latter, Samantha and Ella's laughter told that this was an insider's joke. He looked his father in the eye again. Anyone could tell he was proud to be the Devil's son, the original rebel.
"Dad, you know by now that the first thirteen years of my life were anything but pleasant."
Almost unnoticed, David had squeezed his eyes together a little, this was the second time he had picked up on something that must have happened to his father in the past that was bad. He stored this piece of information and was determined to speak to him about it later. However, not much escaped Alexander's notice. Inwardly he sighed deeply for he was anything but looking forward to that conversation but knew it was necessary for the boy to start speaking about what was done to him and his sisters. So that they could relieve their souls and find the path to recovery. But that would come later, now first this marriage.
"Then in a short time, I found three fathers. First Lord Robert and Lord Franklin, two giants. Not because they are Gods. No giants because they can dispense with their title at times when their child, their children need a father and not a God. You too are a giant Dad. Granted the beginning of our relationship was a bit messy. You gave Celine and me headaches often enough and we considered violence more than once. Dad, you are as much of a giant as Robert and Franklin are. I am proud that I have you three as fathers and it is my honor to be able to say that I became what I am today because I stand on the shoulders of giants."
Samantha came to stand next to Alexander and that was the cue for David to come and stand between his parents. Alex looked into Ella's eyes and said:
"Are you ready for this dear Ella? I have two mothers, Aisha and Salome. I don't do stepfathers so I neither do stepmothers as Salome and Franklin can attest. There is still room in my heart, in Samantha's heart for one more mother."
At those words from Alexander, two tears ran down Ella's face. On the silver platter that David held was a simple golden ring for Lucifer and an identical one for Ella but that one had a beautiful ruby. Alex turned to Rae Rae:
"Azrael, you are Ella's witness. Is there any reason why I should not unite this Angel in marriage with the Devil of her choice?"
She replied:
"No, MyLord, I can testify that Ella has chosen Lucifer of her own free will, without any coercion or pressure as her husband and it is her wish to be joined in marriage."
Samantha took the ring meant for Lucifer from the tray and handed it to Ella. She accepted it and slid it on the finger of her Devil. She spoke with moist eyes and an audible lump in her throat:
"Lu, I went to Catholic schools all my childhood. As much as they tried to portray you as the ultimate evil, I never believed that and never wanted to assume that. I have always been convinced that the Devil had a bad rap. And how much you proved to me that I was right in my belief my love. As I stand here beside you today to be joined in marriage at the hands of your son our God and Samantha our Goddess I know, I am firmly convinced that even back then I was yours in my heart as you are mine. I want to warm myself in your light every day."
Alex turned to Michael:
"Michael, you are the witness of Lucifer Morningstar is there any reason why I may not join the Lightbringer in marriage with this Angel?"
"No, MyLord, I can testify that my twin of his own free will, without any coercion or pressure has chosen Ella Lopez as his bride and wants to be joined in marriage."
Samantha took the ring with the ruby and handed it to Lucifer. He accepted it, slipped it on Ella's finger, and spoke:
"My darling Ella, you are the first I have fallen in love with and there can be no other but you, no matter how many universes there may be out there. Every time I look at you, I see overwhelming beauty. Until you gave me that first kiss, I was convinced that the sun was the most beautiful star. Without any problem today I admit that this is not true. You are so incredibly more beautiful, warmer, more light than the sun could ever be."
Samantha said:
"Please hold each other's hands."
Ella and Lucifer did as they were asked, and Sam again wrapped a gold chain around their linked hands. She said:
"This is the symbol of your union may this bond never be broken."
Again Alexander placed his hand on Samantha's hand after which they lit up together and the chain seemed to disappear into Ella and Lucifer's hands. With a broad smile, Alexander said:
"Please stand up Mr. and Mrs. Morningstar. Congratulations Dad go ahead and kiss your bride."
Something Lucifer did with gusto amid loud applause and the girls made it rain rose petals again. Instead of throwing her bridal bouquet over her shoulder into the audience she turned to Rae Rae, handed her the flowers and they took each other in a firm hug.
Samantha and Alexander had retreated to the infirmary a short time later to get ready for their wedding. Their wedding would take place as the sun would begin to set. He had asked Fuzzy for the room where he had regained consciousness and seen Red for the first time. Arriving at the room, he saw that there was a sign on the door that read "Alexander Dei private". This made a smile appear on his face and he stepped inside. To his surprise, he was met by Celine, Fuzzy, and the two Michaels with David between them. Celine said:
"You made it MyLord. You are at your starting point, back together again with my little Hellion."
Alex replied:
"Since when did I stop being your little prince or your little brat in these situations? You know I love you so please let me remain who I always was to you. That little brat."
She gave him a firm hug and a kiss on his cheek.
"You will always be that."
Micky was next:
"It was my honor and pleasure to be your mentor Alexander, but you no longer need me, no more mentor."
"True Micky but I will always need you as a Brother. Thank you for everything."
The two embraced and Alex kissed the tough warrior softly on the cheek. Michael took a knee, stood up, and spoke:
"Alexander Dei, from our first conversation I saw the promise in your eyes. We have been on a long journey, and I am honored to call you my friend."
"No Michael, the honor is mine and it is an even greater honor to be able to call you brother."
Alex and Michael stood there for a while hugging. As Fuzzy began to speak, Alex understood why David was in the room. The healer spoke:
"Alex, ever since our first conversation I knew you were special. That you had such incredible potential within you. It is my privilege to be your healer and it is an honor for each of us that you are now our God."
"Thank you friends but our work is not yet done. The mission has changed. No more preparation for war but a peace mission, a rescue mission. Sam and I need all of you because alone we won't make it. Alone we will never make it. We need our brothers and sisters, always. Not just on this mission but in our lives forever."
The four left and Alex looked at his son with a warm smile:
"And you my beautiful son you have questions you want to ask but you're not quite sure how or where to start. Did you bring your tuxedo so we can change together while you think about it a little more?"
"Uncle Fuzzy said to hang it there in that room next to your tux."
"Come son, let's make sure we look good for your Mom."
They stepped into the room where Alex had wanted to get dressed that first morning. This time no screams when he looked in the mirror. Just a warm feeling in his heart as his son stood beside him. A short time later, when Alex had tied David's bowtie in place and he was once again standing with him in front of the mirror, he was grateful that he had been able to save this boy and his sisters. As they looked in the mirror, the boy not only looked like a small version of himself, but the tuxedo made him look fantastic. He already knew how to wear a tuxedo and it did him justice. The joke Alex made at the expense of Lucifer was really coming true here. The boy made the tux look better when he wore it. What gave Alex incredible pleasure was that his green eyes became brighter and brighter as proof that he was beginning to put what had been done to him little by little behind him but there was still much work to be done. And that there was a sharp mind behind those eyes but also a sense of humor waiting to be set free. The kid would rock the City and Dis sooner or later, and he could not wait for it to happen. David had apparently found his courage:
"Dad, can I ask something?"
Alex smiled and said:
"Remember what I said the first morning you saw Mom and me in the suite? You can ask me, you can ask us anything, anytime."
The boy nodded:
"I remember it, Dad. When we sat on that bench you told me you were in bad shape for a while when you got here and then you told Grandpa Lu that your life on Earth was not good. What happened Dad?"
Alex nodded:
"Come let's sit on the bed in the room for a while."
A moment later they sat next to each other and Alex said:
"You know I grew up on Earth like your mom said?"
"Yes Dad"
"Well, we don't have much time because I have an important date with your Mom so I'm going to keep it short for now. If you want to talk about it later or ask questions about it, I'm always available and so is your mom. Okay?"
The boy merely nodded.
"I grew up on Earth with very bad people until I was thirteen, a little younger than your sister Jasmine. Didn't know I was a Nefilim at all. Thought I was a human like any other. The couple I lived with hurt me very much, almost every day, in my human body for years. Finally, they killed my human body. I woke up two days later in this bed we are sitting on now and the first thing I saw was your mom's magically beautiful eyes."
Tears ran down David's cheeks and he said:
"I'm sorry Dad for asking."
Alex kissed him on the head, pulled him really close to his chest and said:
"Why? You shouldn't be sorry David, you did nothing wrong. Did you ask because of what was done to you and Sarah and Elise?"
Only a nod from David.
"Your Grandpa Franklin once said the following to me not long after I arrived in Heaven. He said that it is not a bad thing to show that you are scared or sad, that it is not a bad thing to show that you are struggling. That talking about it is not a sign of weakness, on the contrary, it is a sign of strength. That I was surrounded by family who wanted to help me. David, I will always be there if you want to talk or ask questions. Your Mom and I will always be there for you and your sisters. You now have three grandmothers and three grandfathers who will help you above all else. You have four generals; Michael, Celine, Micky, and Samael who will protect you as the fiercest lions. You have Celine the best bodyguard I have ever known, who was first your mom's bodyguard and then mine on my journey of six thousand years. And she will now be at the side of your sisters and you, and I can promise you that if there is anyone who looks a little strange at you that person will regret the day of his creation. And you have thousands of Angels and Demons who will protect their prince and princesses. You six are so important to them that they would assemble a whole army in no time to surround and protect you. The bastards who treated you so badly are gone and will never come back, son. You are safe and your family is ready to help you. Don't be afraid to ask for help, to show that you are afraid. No one can do it alone David, even I was so very very scared sometimes and couldn't do it on my own. Yes?"
The boy lay in his father's arms and cried softly. He said almost inaudibly:
"Thank you, Daddy..."
Samantha had been given a room by Fuzzy just down the corridor. She was assisted by Aisha and Salome as she got ready for her big moment. Not just for her and Alex but something Paradise City and Dis were fully looking forward to, craving for. She was helped into her wedding dress. A beautiful white dress with a short train, shoulder-less and low-cut. Perhaps daring for a Goddess but this was the change of power, the new generation. The top was finished with a multitude of pearls and diamonds. Around her neck was the necklace she had received from Alex. The one he had had made by Eloch all those years ago. Below it the simple necklace with the blue stone that bore his seal. Her mother pulled out a majestic tiara. A beautiful jewel she had only worn at the most important ceremonies. She placed it on Samantha's head and said:
"I don't need this one anymore darling. It belongs to you now because you are now our Goddess. My little girl, your Dad, and I knew from the moment you ran from that particular table and went after Alexander that you belonged together. I wanted to stop you and for the first and last time, you rebelled. You more or less said that I, that all of us at that table, should fuck off. When Alex said in a very, very polite way that I could stick my advice, that you should prepare for a bad ending, where the sun doesn't shine, I knew you two would be unstoppable. Your Dad and I are so incredibly proud of you, both of you."
Both Sam and her mom cried for a moment as they hugged each other. Aisha said:
"My son must be the luckiest man in the multiverse because he has you by his side. You two are a fantastic couple. You are so completely in tune with each other. Every Angel and Demon and Celestial can consider themselves lucky and grateful that you are their Gods. With you two by each other's side, it can't be anything else than a glorious future is waiting for you."
Sam hugged Alexander's mother and they stood there in each other's arms for a while while a few tears flowed. Suddenly Samantha pulled away with a grim face. Instinctively, she had placed a hand on her lower abdomen. This instinctive gesture had not escaped Salome and Aisha. It was the reaction of a mother wanting to protect her unborn child. Salome asked:
"What's the matter, darling?"
She replied:
"Alex has David in his arms. My poor boy is crying. It is a reaction to what Alex said today about his years on Earth. Alex told him in very broad terms what was done to him. That broke the dam in a positive way. His recovery can begin thanks to my wonderful husband."
Robert knocked on Samantha's door and entered. He saw his youngest daughter and his eyes grew watery. Softly he said:
"Child how beautiful you look. Alex is a lucky man that you chose him as a husband."
He hugged her and Sam said:
"No Daddy, I am the lucky one. My beautiful husband, the sweetest, the most stubborn, justice-seeking man. Who will settle for nothing less than to save everything and everyone. He wants to give everyone the chance for a happy and loving existence. He wants me as his wife, as his Goddess."
With a smirk, she said:
"And because of that, we made sure that this what you are about to do now is something you are going to be able to do several thousand times, guide a daughter to her future."
Robert said:
"It will be my honor to do that over and over again Samantha."
He hugged her some more and said:
" It's time, your man is waiting to become your husband."
Before they stepped out the door she silently fired off a message to Alex:
"Alex, is our son okay?"
"He's okay darling, he had to go through the wall. Now the stage is set for a slow recovery. I will check with Fuzzy and Evi later. Our son is strong honey."
In the garden, on the right side of the bench stood Michael and Celine together with Alexander holding an arm around David's shoulders. On the left side, Micky and Fuzzy were already waiting as nervously as the rest. The tension in the city and Dis was palpable. The angels of the arts departments had not forgotten that Alexander's favorite piece of music was the Bach cello suite N°1 in G. Samantha had immediately decided that the wedding march would be replaced with his favorite piece for their ceremony. When the first notes resounded, Alex knew immediately that his Samantha had again done something special for him and his heart began to beat faster and faster. Samantha was preceded by Elise and Maximus. The hellhound looked sternly into Alex's eyes for a moment, he bowed his head igniting hellfire in his eyes for a second or two. Showing his respect for his master in the most intense way he could. Followed by the girls of which Sarah and Jasmine wore a soft blue silk dress and Beatrice and Maila wore a soft green one. When he saw her arm in arm with her father, a bouquet of white roses in her hands with one blue rose and one green rose and the girls were holding a mini version of that bouquet. Alexander's breath was immediately cut off. He thought:
"What have I done to deserve this? She is not only a Goddess in title, but she looks like an absolute Goddess, full of grace and unparalleled beauty."
When she came to stand in front of the bench they couldn't resist. They stepped into each other's arms and gave each other a warm kiss upon which the town once again let their cheers and applause be heard. Lucifer made one of his typical remarks:
"That's premature kissing children."
Instead of Alexander who usually returned Lucifer's word games, it was Samantha who replied with a smirk:
"True Dad, but we are the Gods, we make the rules."
At this point, everyone in the garden started laughing. Sam stepped up to David for a moment and took him in her arms for a firm hug, kissed him on the forehead, and whispered:
"My beautiful brave son I am so proud of you."
Lucifer said:
"Alexander Dei and Samantha Dea please take a seat."
Alexander replied with his typical mischievous smirk:
"No Dad, I don't think I'm going to do that right now. I have something very important to say to the children first."
He looked at their four children one by one for a moment and said:
"Kids, would you join us for a moment?"
Everyone, including Samantha, wondered what he was up to now. Robert heard Salome next to him say almost inaudibly:
"Oh boy, what is that kid up to now."
This sentence immediately brought a mischievous smile to Robert's face looking forward to what was to come. The four came up to the bench with Elise on the arm of Jasmine who was walking hand in hand with Maila, but Beatrice also joined the rest to Alex's delighted surprise. Before Alexander could say anything, everyone heard David's voice very clearly:
"No Dad! Now it's us who have something important to say."
The boy took a deep breath, and one could tell he was extremely nervous. Sam and Alex were waiting in suspense.
"As of today, my full name is David Morningstar and I'm proud that my dad is Alexander Marcus Morningstar Dei and my mom is Samantha Morningstar Dea!"
Samantha had slapped her hand in front of her mouth when the boy said those words and tears were running down her cheeks. She was by no means the only one who could not keep it dry.
Without losing a second Sarah said:
"Mommy, Daddy, My name is Sarah Morningstar!"
This was immediately followed by Jasmine:
"A mom and dad give life to a child. You papa gave me a body and you mama put me in that body. That is why I am Jasmine Morningstar."
Maila spoke softly as if she feared being rejected:
"Remember your first birthday party at the Suite? My Mom had baked a cake with thirteen candles for each of you. Alex, you didn't blow out your candles because you didn't have a wish and had me do it and make a wish. I know you're not allowed to say what your wish is or that it's not going to come true. But I'm going to do it here today. I wished then that Alex could be more than my big brother, that he could be my daddy and Samantha could be a second mommy. So, if you will have me, I would like to be Maila Morningstar as of today."
After which Beatrice turned to look at Daniel and Laila:
"I see Honeybee, Sarah, and David as my little brother and my sisters. I see Maila and Jasmine as my big sisters. If they see Ella and Lucifer as grandparents, then I want them to be my grandparents too. Grandma Salome and Grandma Aisha have already claimed me as their granddaughter, and Grandpa Robert and Grandpa Franklin too. I want Laila as my mommy if she wants me as a daughter."
She turned back to the bench:
"But I also want Samantha to be my second mother and I want Alex to be my second father. I want to be part of this family together with my dad and Laila. As of today, I want to be Beatrice Espinoza Morningstar if you want me. Let me be part of this family please."
Honeybee said from Jasmine's arm, she had understood what was happening:
"Me momstra?"
Alex had to swallow a few times and after looking into each other's eyes for a second Alex said:
"It's a big family, Daniel and Laila, there are twenty thousand of us but we always have room in our hearts and our home for more, always room at our table for more."
He looked at Freya:
"Dear Freya, you know we have always thought of you as family. Your daughter wants to bear my name and wants me to be her dad and Sam as a second mom. It is up to you to decide if she can go through life as a Morningstar like the other children."
Dan was standing hand in hand with Laila. She spoke first with great difficulty and tears on her cheeks:
"Beatrice of course I want you as my daughter. Who wouldn't want such a beautiful, smart brave girl? It will always be an honor for me that you chose me as your mom."
Dan said:
"I think you are no longer a Monkey, that you are a sunflower now. When I see you with the other children I see five sisters and a brother. My dear little girl, your heart is big enough for two mothers and two fathers. So yes, Beatrice Espinoza Morningstar is perfect for you."
The timid Freya also stood up now and spoke softly:
"Samantha, Alexander, you saved us from a miserable existence in Dis. You took us into your family and always treated us with love and respect. That my girl wants to bear your name and that you as God and Goddess did not hesitate for a second to grant her wish proves why you are loved in Dis and Heaven. It will be an honor if Maila will become a Morningstar."
Alexander and Samantha had listened to these words with tears. Alex bowed his head in their direction with absolute respect. Alexander let his voice echo with divine intensity in the city and Dis:
"We Alexander Dei Morningstar and Samantha Dea Morningstar hereby proclaim that from now on you six children bear the name Morningstar and are the children of Samantha Dea and me. That from now on you are the true Prince and Princesses of Heaven and Hell."
With the last bit, the children had apparently not been expecting that and looked a little pale. Alexander addressed the children in his normal voice that no longer vibrated through Heaven and Hell but could be heard in the garden and through the screens:
"Children, having the title Prince and Princess does not mean you can order others around, does not mean you are better than anyone else, does not mean you can use that title to take precedence over others. Your mom has the title Dea, and I have the title Dei, but we serve everyone. With a title comes responsibility. Our responsibility first of all is that all our Angels, our Demons, our Celestials, and our Humans are cared for, and are happy. We are at the service of all, always. So, I will say this once and once only, never ever abuse your title!"
The children looked at him nodding diligently, he saw in the eyes of the five eldest that they absolutely meant it. The children had always been the Princesses and the Prince in the eyes of Heaven and Hell now it was made official by the Goddess and the God. Meanwhile, everyone in the garden had jumped up and applauded. From outside the garden, a deafening applause sounded the cheering reached record levels.
Alex resumed his place at the bench and Sam just about flew over in his arms sobbing. Lucifer let everyone be for a moment, enjoying the moment, and then said:
"And that ladies and gentlemen of Dis and Paradise City is the perfect summation of who Alexander Dei is. My dear wife said a while ago that she admired his brain because he is brilliant and that at the same time, he is utterly crazy. That there's such a thing as thinking outside of the box, but Alex thinks so far out of the box that the box can't be seen at all, that Alex doesn't know that a box exists, that the rules of physics don't apply to him. And they don't exist for him anyway. If someone had told us a month ago that he would just casually bend and glue two universes together we would all have declared that person completely mentally defective. He keeps shifting the limits until they can't be seen because it benefits everyone. Samantha Dea is the driving force behind Alex. Everything he has done and accomplished during his six-thousand-year journey is due to Samantha. Tell Alex that something is impossible, and he makes it possible just so he can be with his Samantha. And now that they are back together, they are nothing more or less than a new more formidable force of nature. So, ladies and gentlemen hold on tight because this what we have been seeing so far is just the absolute beginning, it's going to be a crazy ride."
He looked at the two and asked again:
"Samantha Dea, Alexander Dei, please take a seat."
This time the two did as they were asked and sat hand in hand on their bench. Ella positioned herself next to Lucifer and this time David confidently came to stand between the two. Lucifer said:
"I can tell hundreds of stories about Alexander but will keep it to one. The first time we met was in Hell. He and Celine strolled into Hell as if the whole place was theirs. As if I were a nuisance who needed to be whipped in his place. At that time, I was still full of hatred for my father and everything about Heaven. Recognized him as a Celestial and her as a Demon and it was clear they were not from my universe. Fair is fair I wanted to destroy them because they had invaded Hell and my throne room. Never before had I seen someone so young with so much power and who radiated so much self-confidence. I threw Hellfire at them, and he pretended to eat it."
This provoked a burst of soft laughter from those in the audience who knew him all too well, and Belios and Bearus, in particular, found it amusing.
"Alex made a deal with this Devil. His Demon Celine would face off against my Demon Mazikeen. That was right away my second surprise and second big mistake. Celine not only wiped the floor with Maze but humiliated her in seconds. My third surprise in a few minutes was how he treated Celine. He didn't see her as a Demon in his service, he saw her as an equal. The next thing he did was to claim Belios and Bearus and their first assignment was to protect little Anna. Believe me when he orders someone to protect someone you better follow that order. You don't want to be the one to have those green eyes of his bore a hole in your head. And I looked at it all with incomprehension and disbelief. In no time my two top generals and Anna were no longer Demons in his service. In no time Anna was his little sister and Belios and Bearus became his brothers. I may have been their King but their loyalty above all else lay with Alexander. How did he achieve this? By treating them as friends, as family, as equals. It took me time to follow his example and to my shame, I must confess that for far too long I was blinded by hatred for everyone. But once I saw what he accomplished in record time with the Demons I simply gave him the keys to Hell, bound him to the secondary throne in Hell, and told him to do as he saw fit. Everyone will have noticed by now that he has a short fuse. Hell has shaken to its foundations often enough and at those times the Demons ran very far from the throne room. I have been the target of that short fuse a few times. More than a few times he more or less kicked me to Earth for a vacation of a few weeks, so he didn't have to see my face in Hell for a year or so."
This provoked laughter among those present, the Devil who was kicked out of Hell by his own son, but no one doubted the truth of the story.
"His compassion, his pursuit of justice, and equality were always paramount to him. The Demons in Hell, as they got to know Alexander began to put him on a pedestal more and more to the point of idolizing him because he improved their lives so incredibly. I'm told that he together with Samantha took that masterpiece to a much higher level in this Dis. I must be honest that I am very curious about that and would like to see it with my own eyes. I caught him often enough in his suite in the palace when he was feeling down because he couldn't achieve his goals faster, that he couldn't drag the Demons by their ears or hair into a better tomorrow, that it was such a slow process, and I can't help but admit that was my fault. That I had failed for thousands of years to do what he did from day one, storm into Hell, and refuse to believe that anything is impossible. The only thing he didn't talk to me about was his Samantha. He kept that to himself, hidden in his heart. Now I know why, Sam was his strength to be able to do what he had to do. Six thousand years he sacrificed for us. Six thousand years he was separated from the love of his life. To be honest, I don't know anyone who could or would put up with that. Therefore, we can all be grateful and frankly should show our gratitude more often. As his father, I am incredibly proud of Alexander Dei and so incredibly grateful that he is our God because we could not wish for a better one. After all, he rules not from on high but from among us."
Everyone had grown silent at Lucifer's words in describing Alexander. He looked at Samantha:
"Samantha Dea, I unfortunately have not known for long. But in that short time, I have learned that she is just like Alex. An unbridled love for everyone. The same desire for everyone to be treated equally, her never-ending wish for life to be better for everyone. If two people belong together those are Samantha and Alexander and as I said before they are a force of nature. Together they will do incredible things that will benefit us all. Samantha will become the mother of our one-made universe and Alex the father. It will be my honor to serve them both with everything I have."
He looked at Alex and Samantha for a moment and bowed respectfully.
"Michael and Raphael, you are Samantha Dea's witnesses is there any reason why I should not join Samantha Dea in marriage with Alexander Dei?"
Michael replied as Fuzzy was too emotionally and unable to speak:
"No Lightbringer, I can testify that our Goddess of her own free will, without any coercion or pressure has chosen our God as her husband and wants to be joined in marriage."
Ella took the ring intended for Alex from the tray, a gold ring with a blue stone in which his seal was engraved in gold and surrounded with six green diamonds and six blue diamonds with one bright red ruby and Samantha slid it on his finger:
"Alexander love, from that awful night you fell out of nowhere in front of the palace and you were in terrible shape. Two days later you opened your eyes for the first time, and I was drowning in those beautiful green eyes. I knew in a heartbeat that I was in love with you and that I never, ever wanted to be without you again. That one day I would be yours and you would be mine and that day is today. How you amazed us time and again with your willpower, and your stubbornness when someone told you something was impossible, you immediately proved that person how wrong he or she was by making the impossible possible. Your first visits to Dis where you immediately found a loophole in my father's orders and you gave Arbus a veiled compliment, making your first move on the board to change Dis, to improve it for everyone. While everyone was thinking about what you were doing at that moment, about that first move, you were already three moves ahead in your mind. And what a success you made of it my love. People said you could never give Hell sunlight and a starry sky. You answered that this was because you hadn't done it yet. Paps Franklin told you that universes had no coexistence, you gave him exactly the same answer that this was because you had never done it. In both cases, you did what others thought was impossible. But the most important thing about you Alex is your heart. You have so much love in your heart and room in that heart for everyone as you just proved with these six wonderful children, your forgiveness is unmatched, and your drive for justice for everyone is insatiable. To the children, you are a loving father, but also to others, you are a father figure because you are always ready. I am proud and honored to be your wife from now on. I am so incredibly grateful to be able to stand beside you."
Samantha suddenly had a very difficult time speaking.
"Alex, I love you so incredibly much that it cannot be described with anything, that all words simply sound far too small."
Lucifer turned to Alexander's left and right hand:
"Michael, Celine you are the witnesses of our God. Is there any reason why I cannot join Alexander Dei in marriage with Samantha Dea?"
Celine replied:
"No Lightbringer, we can testify that Alexander Dei has freely chosen Samantha Dea as his wife of his own free will, without any coercion or pressure, and wants to be joined in marriage."
Ella took the ring meant for Samantha and gave it to Alexander, He slid the ring on Sam's finger with both halves clicking together perfectly. Forming a set of a blue and green diamond with thirteen smaller green diamonds next to the blue stone and thirteen blue diamonds next to the green stone. To everyone's surprise, he got down on one knee:
"Samantha my stunningly beautiful Samantha I too was in love with you from the moment I looked into your brilliant blue eyes. I fall in love with you every morning when you wake up next to me. You are the one who can always calm me down. You were and are the most important person in my existence. Everyone puts the success of what I have achieved on me, and no one seems to realize that they are so terribly wrong. They don't see that you my magnificent Goddess are the driving force behind everything. That without you none of this would have been possible. When something was incredibly difficult or hard all I had to do was close my eyes for a moment and bring you in the foreground of my mind. With you before my eyes, I could and can handle anything! I undertook a journey of six thousand years to rid the universe of a tyrant but that was not my main goal. My main goal was to come home to you after I had done that. To be able to hold you in my arms again, to smell your hair that smells like fresh green apples again. To come back home to wake up every morning next to the most beautiful sunrise. And in the name of all that is holy what are we blessed, we have four children who love us and whom we love, and now we also have two extremely wonderful girls who want to be our daughters and want us as a mom and dad. We have a multitude of friends, brothers and sisters. But every time I look at you, I ask myself what did I do for you to think that I'm worthy of you. I worship the ground you walk on. If it were my destiny to spend the rest of my existence in your shadow, I would still consider myself the luckiest man in these universes. There simply cannot be a more beautiful woman, a more beautiful Goddess, and a more magnificent mother than you Samantha for you are truly the embodiment of motherly love not only for our children but for everyone."
Tears flowed again from Samantha, but Alex didn't keep it dry either. Ella said:
"Please hold each other's hands."
The thin gold chain was wrapped around their hands and Ella spoke:
"This is the sign of your union may this bond never be broken."
Lucifer placed his hand on Ella's after which it lit up gold and the necklace seemed to disappear in Samantha and Alexander's hands. Lucifer said proudly:
"Alexander Dei you may kiss your bride, Samantha Dea."
As they did so with all the love they had in them huge fireworks suddenly erupted and Heaven and Hell were in an uproar. The girls had seemingly gotten some help as everywhere in the garden it was now raining rose petals. All together it seemed like a magical event. Just like Ella who had not thrown her bridal bouquet into the audience, Samantha did not either. She stepped up to Celine and with a kiss gave her the flowers as she whispered into the Demon's ear.
"Thank you, Mom, thank you for bringing my Alexander home. Next up better be you and Michael!"
This sentence caused the tough Demon's water taps to open and she began to cry after which Michael gently took her in his arms.