Once upon a time there were two great kingdoms: The Kingdoms of Daydream and Nightmare. For many years the two kingdoms warred fiercely, a battle many thought would be never ending. Well, they were wrong.
The war laid down its burdens and the soldiers put their swords to rest, at long last, the war was over.
Now here we stand, many moons later. A young soldier, a mere boy named Nite-Nite; Nite for short, is pressed against a window. His posture; finally at rest, but his dark blue hair still stands tall at attention. His eyes are full of energy; electric blue energy.
He carefully watches a ceremony unfold below. The Young King; not too much older than himself, gives a speech. Barely heard, but well understood.
The young soldier laughs faintly, relieved.
"At least everything is back to normal, and all that hoopla is over. God!"
Nite stretches, resting his back on the window shutting his eyes.
"I hate hard work."
Another soldier, a bit older than him stood at a mirror staring into it with full conceit. His skin fair, his hair short; dark as night, his bangs streaked with red highlights. His eyes too, red as an apple. He is dressed elegantly, head to toe, like a prestigious gentleman on his way to an elegant ball dance. He meticulously, delicately, strokes his hair with a brush. This young man is the crimson vampire, Lullaby.
"Tell me about it," Lullaby agrees.
"No! You're just lazy!" Nite responds.
Nite-Nite and Lullaby are childhood friends, they always stick close together like good brothers. What would one call this duo? A perfect mess.
Nite's gaze drifts back out the window as the crowd erupts into applause and cheering. The Young King is leaving the gathering, the royal guard following.
"There's a difference."
As if he were appalled, Lullaby whips himself around facing Nite. The first time taking his eyes off the man in the mirror.
"What?! I... do stuff!"
He straightens his collar in attempt to look convincing, it's not clear he even believes himself.
"Fine, you're not lazy with the stuff you wanna do, Like— "
Nite-Nite notices the clock, it dawns upon him how much time has been wasted.
"Ahh! You've been in the mirror for—"
Lullaby's eyes widened. He lost track of what he was doing, didn't he?
"Oh yeah!"
He turns back to the mirror drowning himself in conceit again.
Can you believe how long it's been? How much more brushing can this guy's hair need?
"It's been an hour and… God, Almost two hours now! What are you even—"
Nite stares at Lullaby with a mix of confusion and disgust. He's spending all this time and for what? He looks the same! Well, at least to his friend.
Lullaby runs his fingers through his bangs saying, "I'm getting married, remember?"
He can't be serious. Nite's face falls dry and tired, he won't put up with this for another second. Doesn't he know there's a long day ahead of everyone?
"I'm not wasting anymore time with you!" Nite states firmly.
Without hesitation he marches over firmly grasping the conceited little vampire; though taller than him, forcing him forward.
"What are you doing? Unhand me you beast!"
After his overdramatized outcry, Lullaby lets gravity fall heavy within his body attempting to resist the force. But Nite will not take no for an answer, he's waited long enough!
"Out!"
Both are in a struggle with teeth clenched, two resistant forces at battle. They let out strained yells until finally, Nite wins.
He forces Lullaby out of the room and shuts the door hard behind him, wiping his hands clean.
"And we're done here!" Nite says. A satisfied smirk upon his face.
Lullaby sticks his tongue out at Nite-Nite; a young man, yet so immature.
Just then, two familiar faces proceed to greet them. A short girl with smooth brown skin and a rounded stout figure; Qiyamah, Lullaby's closest friend.
Beside her a tall young man stands proud. His hair reaches his shoulders but his sharp serious face contrasts it. End, another one of Nite's soldier friends.
Qiyamah and End greets in unison.
"Aye"
"Qiyamah!"
Lullaby bursting with excitement, nearly floats over to her. He squeezes her cheeks like she is a toddler.
"Aren't we cute?"
"Uh, I guess! You hurtin' my cheeks."
As sassy as ever, this girl. Lullaby laughs, setting her free.
"You're being our flower girl right?"
"Now, I could do that" She smirks.
"You and Mobile, my two little cuties." he says adoringly.
Qiyamah is a good friend of Lullaby's he couldn't help poking fun at her when they first met. He spent a lot of time protecting her during the Kingdom's war. She's more princess than soldier hands down.
"Hey End, How's it goin?" Nite asks.
"Fine as always."
"I guess you like this kind of thing?"
"Heh, when I'm in it." End replies with a sense of sarcasm.
"Weddings are ok with me, they're sweet."
"Mhm, to an extent."
These two share a pretty straight-forward friendship, they're clearly not as close as the others.
"Guys! Lets gooooo!" Lullaby yells abruptly, disregarding everyone's conversations.
They him a sharp look, agreeing as quickly as possible in hopes to put a muzzle on him.
"Yeah, Yeah, Yeah. Should let you go alone." Nite adds.
Meanwhile, the bride is in front of a big mirror. Her mid-tone skin and garnet hair perfectly complements her white gown, adorned with lace, bows and roses. Her hair waves delicately, trailing her back. One section drapes over one eye, like a curtain.
Prom, she's a true beauty to behold.
Her friend, Pageant stands behind her tying her lace corset into a bow. Pageant's hair is a dark blue; flickering starlight throughout, carefully tied in a bun well guarded by a fluttering glowing blue butterfly.
Prom's coral pink eyes are examining her reflection; every bit of it. If for a moment, she began to doubt herself. Her cheeks burn red.
"Marriage... "
Her hair slips out of place, both eyes hidden beneath hair, and her eyes shifting to the side. Something that happens so often everyone knows what it means, she's feeling bashful
"It's so... embarrassing." she says shyly.
Pageant finishes tying the bow at the back of Prom's dress; her eyes flutter nonchalantly.
"Hmph, don't be embarrassed now." Pageant speaks bluntly.
She walks beside Prom, her hands collapsing behind her back. She speaks to her reflection in the mirror.
"Perhaps, you've done this to yourself?"
She's right, Prom can't help but giggle. She is excited, yet nervous.
"I suppose so. But," she puts her hands behind her back. "Before I return home, I need-be married. To have a King, in order to rule my Kingdom the best I can." Prom explains.
"I'd rule without one!" Pageant sticks out her tongue, she looks like she feels nauseous. "No one needs a dirty attachment. "
"Huh? Is that what you—"
"Eugh!"
Before hearing her out she covers her ears. No one wants to hear anything gushy now do we?
"Whatever, if that's the kind of thing you like!"
Pageant rushes away as fast as possible.
Prom giggles, she's still a baby isn't she? Believing cooties still exist, at her age? Prom giggles rubbing her hair from over her eye and looks at herself in the mirror; cheeks still flush.
"I hope I'm ready." She says in a low tone almost to herself.
A hefty girl with dark chocolate skin and eyes to match, walks in. Her hair is neatly braided, she carries a bouquet of pink and white roses in hand. It's Hershie, a friend of Prom's.
"Hey Prom," she puts the bouquet in her arms as she turns to meet her. "Crute huh?"
She's always spicing up words to make them sound funnier, so today "cute" is "crute". Prom smiles.
"Thank you so much Hershie, this is wonderful."
"Aw, I thought so too."
Already on the way out of the door, Pageant says, "Let's get going already, you need an early death sentence."
"Ok, I'm ready." Prom says with a giggle.
"I can't wait to see this." Hershie adds.
Many people gathered together in the vast and beautiful ballroom of the castle. From different kingdoms and far away lands. Soldiers and royalty alike. The air is filled with perfume, elegance, and romance.
It's a good time to give the bride her spotlight, her friends seize the moment to tease her before they do. Pageant speaking first, Hershie follows.
"Good riddance."
"Sayonara girl."
Her friends disappear into the crowds, leaving her standing like a single rose in a garden. She hides herself behind her bouquet, searching for whatever courage she could find. But her voice remains barely above a whisper.
"Thanks you guys."
On the other end of the room stood the groom, Lullaby and the best man, Nite. The sun shined in through the balcony, casting a heavenly ray upon the ballroom. Both are peering over curiously, one with a little something more in his eye. Nite-Nite elbows him playfully, rubbing it in.
"Your queen is here."
Lullaby tries to contain his grin with class, giving Nite a light elbow back whispering.
"Shut-up."
With a slow and graceful stride, she walks the aisle in between two crowds on her left and right sides.
Qiyamah and Mobile; a little girl with a puffy dress and thick curly hair, are throwing flower petals into the air. An enchanting melody fills the air, mixing with various sweet scents.
Much anticipated, she meets Lullaby, NiteNite, and Wise; one of the Elder men, at the front.
"I'm proud that your royalties be joined this way, after the way of Daydream and Nightmare." Wise proclaims. He looks from the bride to the groom, acknowledging the couple with a smile.
Is he from another kingdom too?
Prom twists her bouquet nervously, barely able to make eye contact with her groom, hoping the flowers will be a shield. He frowns, cheeks flush; attempting to compose himself. He clasps his hands, shifting his feet.
"Oh, don't be shy now dear."
The elder gently lowers her bouquet. With a soft touch on the chin, he raises her head.
"Your groom wants to love you."
Her eyes meet with his, with a bashful and unsteady stare.
Lullaby smiles and holds out his hands to her, she slowly reaches out grabbing his hands. Their grip tightens. And finally their eyes lock steady, with a mutual smile.
What a sight. What would that be like?
Nite-Nite shifts his weight, wondering in his mind. For a moment, his cheeks seem like they're turning flush.
A daydream can go a long way. He catches himself drifting and holds his hands behind his back giving an encouraging and friendly smile to his friends.
Young love, it's something else isn't it? Wise lets out a hearty laugh.
"That's the spirit! Now let us begin!"
Time seems to move slowly as Wise recites their vows until finally they seal it with a heartfelt kiss. The guests begin clapping, erupting into joyous laughter and cheers. Flashes of light shine over them in random bursts, it's a memory that everyone wants to capture.
Finally, the bride turns to the crowd with a bright smile.
"I know that Pagent's going to be next!"
A shy girl like Pageant who detests all romance? Of course! Prom tosses her bouquet her way.
"Hmph, not a chance!"
Pageant duck with reflexes like a ninja. Speaking of reflexes, Qiyamah catches it in her arms, unintentionally. Frozen, she turns apple red. How could this have happened? She isn't ready!
"Dat ain't right!" she exclaims.
Nite chuckles pointing at her taunting like a brother who knows how to pick his moments.
"See! We knew it was true!"
"Nah-ah see, dat aint happenin'!" she detests.
Lullaby lets out a gentle laugh.
Qiyamah is blinded by flashing lights as the cameras go to work. Clearly no one has the intention of letting her live it down.
The wedding party stretches on for hours, from cake to dancing; one festivity after the next. The guests take pictures of every perfect moment they can capture.
The cake stands so tall, it casts a shadow like the great castle. On top are two miniature figures of Prom and Lullaby, sugary sweetness inside and out.
"Look, the candy looks just like you guys!" Nite shouts.
He seems more excited than the bride and groom. He takes the figures off handing it to them. Who told him to touch it? Lullaby smirks.
"Hey! I want to bite your head off… Can I bite your head off?"
Prom smiles.
"Sure."
Together they bite each other's cream filled heads off. Someone took a picture of that, didn't they?
Well, if the candy people taste this good, imagine the cake! But who would want to dismantle something so beautiful? None other than the bride and the groom. They circle the cake looking for the perfect piece.
"I think this part is very pretty."
Prom points out a second decorated with roses.
"Huh?" Lullaby drifts towards her. "ooo, me too. Let's get it."
He places the slice in front of her, its inner layers of vanilla cake, strawberry and whipped cream are now exposed. Delicious isn't it? The groom thinks so and my, what sharp teeth he has.
Prom is peering through her hair draped over her face like a veil.
"Wow... you know your teeth, they're awfully sharp."
Caught off guard, he covers his mouth closing one eye. Oh no—is she afraid? What is she thinking? Will she call the wedding off?
He fumbles over his words, praying they come out right.
"Oh uh... Do they... scare you?"
She doesn't realize the pressure her words put him under. She lets out a soft giggle and shakes her head.
"Oh, Not at all. I actually just noticed."
"Oh" He lowers his head, "really?"
She nods assuring him. Well, she didn't mean any harm at all. That's a relief, yet the insecurity remains. Who wants a husband with fangs?
The silence hangs and becomes awkward now.
"We've, um... never been this close before." she adds.
They are close, immensely close. And even closer now, she clings to his shirt resting her head on him like a freshly fluffed pillow.
"I know." A satisfied laugh escapes his lips. "I bet my Queen is ready to taste her cake, it's strawberry!"
"Oh! yes of course."
"Say, 'Ahhh'"
Lullaby holds out a heaping spoon full of scrumptious cake. Prom hides her eyes with her hands and hair, a giggle slips out.
"Ahhh" she says stretching her mouth open.
They both take turns feeding each other, who could resist watching?
When will I get married? Nite lays his head down on his arms smiling at them.
"And the horror never ends! God would they stop, people have to see!" End jokes.
"At least we got cake!" Qiyamah shoves a healthy portion in her mouth and dances with excitement in her seat.
Pageant peers out her peripherals with disgust in her eyes. Disgust and something else. Perhaps, it's not so bad. And for a moment, she's caught in a daydream.
She's Prom's best friend, they've known each other for quite some time since they've come to this kingdom. Although she puts up a good defense, she's a loyal friend.
Now seeing her closest friend get married like this, she might be lonely or worse, she might consider following her in her footsteps. Except the wedding must be much grander, why wouldn't it be?
Her cheeks are becoming flush, that is until—she got caught.
"Where did you go? Eugh!"
Hershie always finds the right time to tease.
Pageant gives her a sharp look. Annoying as ever.
Now, just for a moment the bride and groom slipped away. Mingled in the middle of the crowd, all gathering for a dance.
"You're good at dancing I bet?" Lullaby asks, curiosity carrying his voice.
She doesn't say a word, she just gives a smile. Is she this shy? Or, what is it? Who could know?
"I'll just take that as a yes"
He pulls her in close wrapping his arms around her, capturing her in a loving bind she makes no effort to escape.
Everyone is finding a dance to call their own, lovers and friends alike. Nite-Nite pulls Qiyamah by the arms onto the dance floor. These two are both Lullaby's best friends. And to each other, the same. They may even be like siblings.
"Me and Qiya are dancing tonight."
"Ain't you gone pass out?"
The first time they met was at a festival, The Midday Dance. Nite-Nite passed out while dancing with her, and she will never let him live it down.
He only passed out because he exerted his energy in order to slick his hair. He has a high voltage of electricity running through his body like a circuit. Ever wonder why his hair stood so tall?
"Don't worry, I won't faint this time." He says with a wink.
She has nothing to say in return. She gives only a doubtful expression and a raised eyebrow.
"Guess that leaves you two huh?" Nite asks, noticing End and Hershie are the only ones without a dance.
"Heh, guess so. Come on Hershie." End says with a smile.
She grabs his hands singing spontaneously, "Mah ooo, my boooo!"
"And don't beat on me this time."
"Hmph," A heart appears in her eye covering her pupil. "Let's just find out."
Hershie, a mischievous flirt. But, not because she's romantically charged, but because she enjoys watching people squirm under pressure. She humors herself and others with her antics and adds an extra dose of spice to the group.
End, once in love with Prom but couldn't beat Lullaby to the proposal. He doesn't take this too kindly, yet he's happy for his friends. He's laid back most of the time, but doesn't take too much nonsense.
Believe it or not, all of the friends are soldiers. They've fought great battles and protected the Kingdom together. Now their bond is more meaningful than ever.
The moon hangs low in the sky, and the wedding has come to an end. The newlyweds are thanking their guests, before they are greeted by the king himself.
A young lad he is, but noble. His face carries a gentle silence, often mistaken for scrutiny. His hair is neither silver or blue, often indecisive especially when caught under light. His eyes lit, always carrying the moon phases within them. His name? Nikko—the irony.
"Congratulations, It's good to see you both married."
"Thanks Prince, I appreciate it." Lullaby responds.
Prince? He is a king now isn't he? That's true. But, at such a young age. It hasn't settled in. It wasn't long ago he was known as Prince Nightmare.
Speaking of Nightmares, as Nikko leaves a young woman walks up. Her hair is long black, wavy. Her skin, desaturated, pale. Her name is Nightmare, she too is a vampire, but from another colony. She folds her arms with a scoff.
"I'm surprised you even got married."
A good friend of Lullaby's apparently. They've known each other for a while. She's a cool type of girl, always battle ready. Even dressed for a wedding in a sleek black dress doesn't mean she has her guard down. She is a lethal soldier, well known for her stripes in war.
"Aw, I know you had more faith in me than that!"
Nightmare smirks, shaking her head, giving his face a playful shove.
"Don't mess it up!"
Much later, Lullaby waits near a carriage. Prom slips up out of nowhere dressed in a black gown and hugs him. Glitter flickers all over her as it catches light from the street lanterns. It's decorating his shirt now too.
"I'm ready to go, where are you taking me?"
"Off to wonderland."
He sticks his tongue out teasingly. Looks like its going to be a surprise!
Before they could escape, a familiar set of obnoxious voices erupt into the air.
"Euuuuuuuugggghhh, they're going on a honeymoon!"
Nite-Nite points at them, as if he caught a criminal, in hopes to embarrass them in the name of good fun. The others join in immediately, teasing these two.
"Two honies going on a moon , tell me when you meet the man up dare!" Hershie fans her hand in a silly flip motion.
"Eugh, thas why E-T should get y'all!" Qiyamah adds sassily.
"Why? It's like stop already seriously!" End yells out of the crowd.
They're all acting like a bunch of kids! All Lullaby and Prom can do is laugh with them. She buries her face in Lullaby's shirt, it's still too embarrassing for her to bare. He wraps his arm around her, a promise of protection.
"See you all soon!" Lullaby says waving.
Finally, that was the last of them for a while, and the bride and the groom are finally left alone.
At a royal resort, almost as enchanting as the castle itself. Prom and Lullaby are sitting at a table on a moonlit balcony, the table is filled with an array of sweets. Prom is leaning; face in her hands.
"Oh, there's too many..."
Lullaby leans forward with his arms folded on the table smiling.
"Have whichever you like and as many as delights. They're all delicate and precious."
Prom giggles and covers her eyes. She does love surprises.
"Choose for me!"
"Uhhh, hmmmm..."
He wiggles his fingers over the sweets in hesitation. He's certain they're all delicious, he made them himself; but it must be perfect.
He puts one in her mouth, a pink cookie shaped like love.
"Strawberry cookie?" he questions.
Prom bites it letting out a soft gasp.
"They're so delicious."
"Magically!" Lullaby jokes.
She stares into ruby eyes a moment, her cheeks burn and she lays her head on her arms lost in his gaze.
After a beat, she speaks her mind.
"You know, I..."
She hesitates a few moments more.
"I wouldn't have expected you to be the one to propose to me."
Lullaby frowns taken back. What does she mean by that?
"Oh yeah? Why—had other thoughts?"
Prom shakes her head smiling.
"I was only going to marry the first good man to propose to me. I just... I don't know, I wouldn't expect you to think of me."
"Oh!"
What an insult right? Can you believe her?
"Guess I just seem that—" Lullaby takes a pause and hits his head, making a pop noise with his moth, "dense."
Prom giggles.
Not that either but , I always thought maybe... Mare or Wishy?
"What?"
Nightmare? Wishes? How gross! His lip raises in disgust.
"No. Good friends, not wives though. I think Wishy already has that whole thing, you know. And Mare, nah she's like a sister anyway."
Satisfaction glazes her eyes, she smiles and tucks her face deeper into her arms.
"Well... Thanks for picking me."
"Ugh, huh? No! Thanks for saying yes. God bless, now I have a beautiful wife."
She laughs faintly, she's flattered. She sits straight up again.
"When you're married you should have promises you're willing to keep. That's what mommy used to tell me."
"Really? Woo... that's not what my mommy said."
He smirks drifting on a childhood memory for a moment before continuing.
"But yeah, I think you should."
"I want to promise you..."
Pinky out, eyes bright.
She says," I'll love and support you, and... stay by your side. My heart will always have a place big enough for you. My love and all my heart will be special for you and only you, no one else. All the days of my life and yours, even the days after your grave, I swear I'm yours if God wills. And I pray you're mine all the days of our lives."
His cheeks fade red, he looks taken back. Lost for words.
"That's, I..."
She closes one eye, a little nervous now.
"I hope that's a good enough one."
"God... what else could I wish for?"
What a relief. She smiles.
"God... you almost make me not know what to say… I'm not good like that."
"I'm sure any promise is a good promise from you. Just... don't leave me hanging though."
A pretty pinkie anticipates finding its soulmate.
"Right. Um..."
Embarrassment swallows him, procrastination begins.
"Don't laugh at me. Um, uh-um, uhh..."
Come on man up Lullaby! He takes a deep breath and holds out his pinky. He speaks, each word sounding like a poem recited straight from the heart.
"I promise you, to love you day in and day out.
To be understanding, patient, and kind.
After The Foremost,
you'll be the first thing on my mind.
For you I'll fight—
Die—
I'll give my life.
I'll cherish you as my precious wife.
Everyday we spend together
I'll try to make it sweeter than sugar.
Each day, I'd like to give you my best,
And most special smile.
I hope to be remembered and cherished by you,
all the while,
I do my best to help and teach you...
and every precious child."
Prom gasps excitement bursting through her every limb.
"So, we'll have children?"
"However many you want baby."
"Thank you, everything you said was so sweet. A girl couldn't want more."
"So, it's a promise?"
"It's a promise."
Finally, the pinkie meets her mate. They hug tightly.
"If God wills." they say in unison.
"So long as we believe and worship our Lord." Prom begins.
"Adoring Him day and night, being careful to observe each command." he follows up.
Prayer flows from their lips in harmony, like a song they both knew.
"Dear God, please bless our marriage days to be good within your plans, as all affairs are within your hands."
He caresses her hand and brings it in for an extended gentle kiss.
"That's our promise." he assures her with a wink.
She pulls her hair in her face hiding behind her hair and smiles. She pulls his hand close to her face resting her hand on it.
Every love has its wars, whether for or against it. What may lie up ahead remains a mystery, something love never foresees.