Wedding Reception, part one

Maia smiled as she received a hug from Olga’s friend. The reception was underway and the happy couple was circulating through the throngs of guests and well-wishers in an attempt to meet as many people as they could. Behind them the orchestra played as the dance floor was filled with people dancing to the waltz being played. Olga had just introduced Maia to a fellow heroine and her date. Olga and Robin had fought together during the demon invasion earlier in the year and the Russian had been thrilled to have a chance to catch up.

While Olga was talking with Robin’s companion, a statuesque redhead named Jessica Riley, Maia shared her own experiences of the demon invasion with the other heroine. “No, I never had a chance to get over that way. I was pretty much stuck at the airport and surrounding area. I think the Succubus’s general knew that if he could hold the airport it would limit the military reinforcements that could help the city.”

Robin nodded in agreement. “I don’t think they were expecting the level of resistance they ended up facing. “ The heroine snagged another glass of champagne from a passing waiter.

“Not having anymore of the General’s blood wine?” asked Maia, holding up her own glass of the burgundy liquid.

Robin smiled and waved her off with her free hand. “No thank you. One glass was enough. It’s delicious, but it’s as potent as rocket fuel. I don’t want to get drunk and make a spectacle of myself.”

The new bride nodded in agreement and then tilted her head to one side. “Speaking of making a spectacle of one’s self, look over there.”

Robin turned and looked to where Maia had indicated. The few authorized photographers that Lone Stranger’s security had allowed into the reception were all busy taking pictures of Mayor Quimby Donovan as he posed alongside Randal McNeil and his dates. The CEO of Universal Omnitech had brought not one but two dates with him to the reception. One his right arm was Chessika Parker, host of B.E.T.’s hit music show Urban Rhythms. On his left arm was Jada Kai, one of Hollywood’s hottest young actresses and star of the blockbuster action movie Samurai Brides. The dashing CEO was dressed in a custom Armani tuxedo that probably cost more than most people here made in a month or two.

“Neither one of those two can pass a camera without turning it into a photo op,” Robin said with a smile.

The two turned away as Mayor Donovan began to explain his plans for corporate tax restructuring once the new fiscal year began. Nearby, Jessica was in the middle of explaining her company’s intent to help same sex couples have children. Olga was listening to her intently as Maia spoke softly to Robin.

“You and Jessica seem like a couple. Any chance of wedding bells in your future?”

"Erm, M-maybe..." Taking a long drink from the glass to give her time to think, a blush creeps over the flustered magi's face as her eyes slide downwards to lock onto the floor. "It's... complicated...

Maia looked troubled. "I am sorry, I don't mean to offend or presume anything. It just seemed like you two were very close."


"No, it's okay... it's just, I don't age and she does, however close we get that's always going to make things difficult." Sighing, Robins sets down the glass, having lost her taste for the drink.

Waiting for a few moments for Robin to start talking, Maia clears her throat and tries to break the awkward silence. "But is she important enough to you that you can work through that? Olga and I have had to work things out, and will again in future."

"You have a point there... hah, I do have the feeling she might offer me a ring one of these days, she is fond of taking the lead." Fidgeting with the bodice of her dress, Robin scowls and mutters to herself. "Stupid thing, I'd have preferred a tux but Jess was adamant..."


“Oh no,” Maia protested. “That dress looks amazing on you! And the color is perfect for you.”

Robin began to answer but was interrupted as the band’s conductor started to make an announcement. “We are now honored to play a special request. This classic song Tu es Partout is a request from an old friend for the beautiful brides on this happy day. We hope you all enjoy it.”

The band began to play but Maia’s attention was drawn to the sharp cracking sound of the wine glass shattering in Olga’s hand. Jessica quickly grabbed several napkins to help clean the splashed wine from Olga’s hand and arm as Maia and Robin came closer. One look at the expression on Olga’s face and Maia felt her heart fill with dread.

“It can’t be, where is she?” Olga said as Maia took her arm.

“Honey, what is it, you are white as sheet?” the red haired heroine asked her wife. Turning to Robin and Jessica, she tried to smile reassuringly as she led Olga away. “Excuse us, won’t you?”

“Is everything alright?” Robin asked.

“Yes, yes, please enjoy the party,” Maia hastily said as she pulled Olga close. “Olga, what’s wrong?” she whispered to the distraught looking Russian.

“Maia, this song! It is our song… was our song, she and I”

“Sweety, you aren’t making sense? Who is she?”

Olga scanned the faces of the attendees of the reception. Her feet left the ground as she started to float into the air. Before she could go more than a few inches, Maia pulled her back down and made Olga look her in the eye.

“Olga, calm down and talk to me.”

“Maia, this song was ours. Mine and Claire. It was our favorite. She must be here somewhere, or somewhere nearby.”

“Are you saying Grendel is here?” Maia asked, the concern obvious in her voice.

Olga looked around, suddenly becoming calmer as Maia’s question made her realize something important. “No… not Grendel… Claire!”

Maia looked puzzled. “I thought, isn’t …”

“Maia, that monster Ilsa did everything she could to destroy everything that Claire was. She tried to reprogram her into her personal killing machine and named her Grendel.”

Olga’s wife nodded. “You explained that. I swear that Nazi bitch didn’t suffer enough for what she did to Claire, if I ever get my hands on Ilsa again I’ll…”

Olga shook her head as she interrupted. “No, you miss the point. Grendel wouldn’t know about this song, and what it means to me. Only Claire would. It means Ilsa failed! Or at least didn’t succeed completely! Some part of Claire still lives!” Tears of joy glittered in Olga’s eyes as she dared to hope that her former lover might still exist inside the cyborg body the Nazi villainess had crafted.

“I want to believe you, Olga. I hope you are right. Perhaps we can find a way to help her? What should we do?” Maia asked as she reached up and wiped the tears off Olga’s cheeks tenderly.

Olga smiled at her lover’s touch. “For now, we dance. Help me enjoy this song, my Возлюбленный. Dance with me.”

Maia grinned as Olga led her onto the dance floor. Holding Olga in her arms, she smiled as Olga wept happy tears. The Russian heroine’s face was lit up with the most beautiful smile Maia had ever seen. Other couples dancing made room for the pair, awestruck by the palpable love flowing between the two women. Maia sighed contentedly; today was really a day devoted to love. First the love that bonded the two heroines’ souls together, and secondly the love that had hopefully allowed Claire to reclaim a bit of the life that had been stolen from her.

To be continued...

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Where to begin!
A massive thanks to my old friend and partner for creating this wonderful wedding image for both and myself.

Jessica Riley is mentioned and belongs to
Robin belongs to and is used with permission.
Randall McNeil is mentioned and belongs to
Walkiria belongs to and Soviet Superwoman of course belongs to me.
Once again Teri, your writing makes all the difference.
This happiest of occasions takes place in