Reincarnated as a Phoenix

Chapter 175 – Rehearsal

Two weeks later...

"...So, to repeat again, this is how it'll go. The guests will be in the hall first and once filled, we'll be onto who walks down first. I'll handle the ordering of things but it depends on if you want your father alongside you or not Ikarus, it doesn't matter if you don't but we can decide that in a minute"

"Then, I'm supposed to read this Ariza-sama? I've never done anything like a wedding before so I hope it'll be okay"

"Yes Charlotte, that'll also then lead onto the vows if they want to do any"

'Vows? That's going to be a problem, it's guaranteed mine will come out cringey'

"Heh, I've got something that could work. Ikarus, you still listening or are you daydreaming?"

"I'm listening... despite me wanting to shoot myself right now"

Currently sitting down at the only church we have in town, Ariza is giving me and Petra the quick rundown to how our wedding is going to go and boy, I really regret falling in love now. This bird brain of mine couldn't give a tiny rats arse about any of this.

It's safe to say after we announced we'd finally be going through with this marriage thing, the last two weeks have been hell, mostly because people are treating this like if we don't do it now, it'll never happen. I guess we do only have three months before the demon lord killing spree will happen, just being stuck listening to how perfect the wedding needs to be is surprisingly maddening. This isn't being an ex-male problem; Ariza is mad about planning weddings!

By the sounds of it, she is traditional as hell when it comes to marriage and looks like we're stuck in whatever it is she's now planning. Sure, we did say she can handle everything because both me and Petra really aren't suitable for this sort of thing, I know for a fact Petra couldn't care about this but is putting on an act for Ariza's sake. Seriously though, even she is starting to get exhausted with all this mundane crap like picking out colour schemes and seating arrangements.

"Ariza, I think you're great and all, but must you torment me to this torture? It's a freaking wedding! We both walk down the aisle separately, then do the ring and kissing thing, have the party thing after and hump like rabbits. Do we really need all this preparation?"

"Heh, I'm not a huge fan of you describing it like that Ikarus, but even I'm starting to grow a little tiresome"

'I knew I was right about Petra getting bored!'

"But it is necessary! Don't you two want this day to be perfect with no accidents, mistakes or problems? It doesn't help we've now got to plan around the entire island celebrating as well"

It's safe to say Ariza has gotten caught up in a little of that wedding fever and so has the entire settlement I guess, there's posters all around the place being a constant reminder of the fanatics that seems to worship us. Thankfully, it's not going to be like an actual royal wedding simply because the only church around here is way too small, but the streets will end up being filled making getting here a pain in the arse.

I feel like Ariza's hinting at me screwing this up though, at least with the mistakes comment. Hey, my ol'stupidity does like to return at the best of times but still!

"You worrying I might fall over or do something stupid Ariza, like using the wrong name when saying I do? At least give me some credit, I can force myself to be cool"

"Heh, don't you be getting any ideas Ikarus. If you use the wrong name, we're going to have serious problems"

"Oh really? So, if I were to call you Petah or something, yo-"

Still sitting alongside Petra inside the church, she violently grabs my hands and assaults my mouth going full on French! Probably not the time or place to be describing her epic kissing like that but I don't care, I'm make this sound terribly despite the fact it's sensational.

"Y-You better not be doing that d-down the aisle"

'Damn fluster of mine, that one was intense'

"Heh, use the right name and I won't have to Ikarus. Now, what part were we on again?"

...

Making those two awkward enough for one day, Ariza continues back on getting into the wedding planner mindset again. It's scary how into this she can get really, that wyvern prince is going to have his hands full one day.

"Back onto what Ikarus asked, I'm just trying to limit any bad luck in case anything goes wrong. With everything us lot have been through; things are always unpredictable and I really don't want you two to have any problems on the big day"

'Ah, so Ariza's pretty superstitious then? I guess I do have a tendency of setting red flags all over the place'

"Fair enough, just don't expect us to go through with that whole not seeing the bride before the wedding tradition though. We're not doing that..."

Almost immediately, I get an awkward look from the blue-haired devilish wedding planner. As if Ariza thinks she can separate us for a night and just before the wedding!

"...Damn it Ariza, don't you know us two are addicted to each other!? It's like you're asking an drug addict to stop everything cold turkey, even just a few hours is way too long!"

"But it has to be like that Ikarus! If you see each other before the ceremony, things will probably go wrong, it's evitable with how bad our luck can be"

Looking towards Petra, she can't help but smile from my grievances. She's the exact same, maybe even worse but better at hiding it. I just simply refuse to hide my addiction.

"Heh, reckon we can do just about do it Ikarus. You've always got that plushie of me if it's really unbearable"

"That... could work. If I end up preferring the plushie more than you though, blame Ariza. She's the one at fault"

"Heh, I'll keep that in mind"

Hugging into Petra, obviously making sure to satisfy my addiction and for no other reason, Ariza wants to continue on but seems to look slightly uncomfortable about doing so.

"There is something else I need to ask Ikarus, just I know you won't like it. I'm... still not sure if you want to be treated like the groom or bride. It does matter since we'll have to decide who walks down the aisle first or if you want to do it together"

...

'Outta of the serious issues persisting in the world, this is the one I have to deal with'

"If it's a question of groom or bride Ariza, always the groom. Despite knowing I'm going to look nothing like it on the day"

I thankfully still haven't seen what I'm going to have to wear yet, but I know for a fact it's gotten Petra's decision making all over it. I know I'm going to hate every second of it once I see it so might as well put it off for as long as possible.

"Heh, no can do Ikarus, you're my bride and I'm not taking no for an answer. Make sure she gets for full experience Ariza, make it as terrible for her as possible"

"*Sigh*, I knew you wouldn't be able to help yourself. When do we get to avoid seeing each other again? I think my addiction has cured itself..."

__________

"Hey Ikarus, wanna try something fun later?"

While we're walking through the settlement about to go somewhere we're needed, Petra comes out with one of the most blunt requests for you know what. She's normally way more subtle and leads into it rather than this.

"You mean sweet loving, right? What happened to you trying to woo me or some unnecessary tease? We're not married yet so we still have to try at our relationship!"

That gets a little chuckle out of her but I am right, Petra normally is a little more subtle than just going 'want to hump later Ikarus?' I know she didn't actually say that but it was basically the same thing!

"Heh, with everything going on with the wedding, it's given me a little idea Ikarus. Besides, obviously need to be a little more direct now, can't exactly play it cool when you're able to read me so easily"

'Oh, this is what it is. She's just using my eye of wisdom ability as an excuse'

"I mean, it's just a lie detec-... really Petra? Really?"

Despite just holding hands, Petra's changed her mind and now feels the need to hold onto something round, juicy and plump.

"Heh, it's fine for me to grab what's going to be mine, right?"

"Anyways..."

It's really a good thing we aren't getting looks from all the idiot worshipers today, mainly because it's peak working hours so we're able to slide through mostly unnoticed. I guarantee some onlookers saw that though but our citizens love my plight anyways. As if getting married makes my arse hers like it's property or something!

Trying to focus away from what clearly is my now horny fiancé, might as try and go back onto the wedding.

"...Ah, something Ariza said has made me think. Do you want my ol'lizard to walk you down the aisle Petra? He may be grumpy but he does seem to like you, even more than me at times it seems"

At the end of the day, Petra must have some preferences for the wedding so she might like something like this. It's not like we can make Ariza decide on everything for us and besides, getting Asmodeus to do it considering he probably is Petra's father sounds ridiculous.

Ah, that's actually where we're heading now, both Asmodeus and Dionysus are staying with the Magi guild and we're going over there to discuss some more stuff. Not entirely sure why that's their place of residence but it does keep everyone separated all around the islands I suppose.

"Heh, thought we agreed you'd be taking the bride role Ikarus so he's got to walk you, it might be weird if he did it for both though"

'Sighhh, they're not getting invited if this is how she's going to be'

"Must you torment me like this Petra!? As if I'm doing such a thing like that, at least allow me to regain some of my manhood going through this charade!"

Don't get me wrong, I want to marry Petra but at the same time, I'm still a man at heart! Well, not really but there has to be some things I'm inflexible on! Walking down the aisle with my ol'dinosaur is one of those things I'm not doing for a magnitude of reasons that I can't be bothered to share.

"Heh, no can do Ikarus. What's the point in even getting married if it's not to torment you? We're only doing this once so I've got to make the most of it"

Petra in her infinite wisdom decides to stop us both down the alleyway we've just entered and I can already tell how this is going to go. I get interrupted by an inevitable kiss that I love and Petra just doing Petra things.

"*Sighhh*, let's just kiss and get this ov-, seriously with the slight pinching now!? You're in one of those moods today, aren't you?"

My bottom is going to end up red if she does that again! Sure, it wasn't painful in the slightest and felt almost a little similar to groping, just much lower but still! Just kiss and let's move on already, it's a good thing she didn't slap it otherwise I would be actually mad and not faking it.

"Heh, no idea what you're talking about Ikarus. That's what I'd say if I didn't know about your lie detector..."

__________

"It's Petra and her lover Ikarus! It's been way too long since we last spoke!"

"Don't you dare Penelope; I will kick you where it hurts"

"I was only going to squeeze you both as a greeting, geez!"

Having just arrived at the outside of the Magi guild headquarters, we're both greeted by a very eager Miss gender bender who instantly tries to hug the life out of us but I stop it as quick as possible. She's always been too hands on even now it seems.

In the end, we did kiss but not that much else happened. Actually, I'm lying a bit as hands definitely wondered a little further around but might as well save most of that for whatever pervy scheme Petra has lined up later, right?

"Heh, what brings you outside today Penelope? You're normally stuck inside doing guild work"

"I'm still doing the same work Petra! All those good for nothing guild members of mine are starting to piss me off so got them doing some hard labour! It's either that or I start beating them into submission!"

'Huh, at least that explains the change around here. I'm starting to feel sorry for the mages if Penelope is always like this'

Heading over there, both me and Petra notice the work being done around here and boy, no exaggeration when I say basically an entire new town has been built around the tower on the cliff face. The second island is starting to look as dense as the main one now,

----------

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"You do know we'll have to treat this place the same as the rest of the islands, right? Just because you've built it doesn't mean you can skip taxes and things like that"

I mean, I'm not sure on the exact numbers on how Marcus taxes people and businesses except it's always been the more you earn, the more you pay. It works out surprisingly brilliant for keeping corrupt nobles away especially with fear of imprisonment if they dare avoid paying their way. May also be a factor why us lovebirds are worshiped almost like cult leaders by the common folk.

"What are you on even about Petra's lover!? You two are the queens of the place, of course everything here is yours to rule! Half the buildings are empty and the ones that aren't, as if those idiots in the guild can't afford to pay rent! Oh, is that why you came over!? To rule and lead with an iron fist!"

'Thought that was the case but still need to say. Fucking taxes man, we used to hate the issue, now we're part of the problem!'

"Heh, that wasn't the reason Penelope, we're here to see the heavenly beings"

"Seriously!? You barely ever come to see me and when you do, it's to see the annoying demon and God who are lovers!? Everyone is always so mean to me!"

And of course, Miss gender bender spouting shit like usual. Something she just said has made me think though.

"Lovers? Did you really just call them lovers? You one hundred percent sure about that?"

"Well, Asmodeus is the demon lord of lust and Dionysus is the God of ecstasy, I'll be shocked if they haven't humped yet! That's not a fun thought though, men on men is a little yucky! I'm leaving now so bye you two!"

'Asmodeus and Dionysus? I really don't see it, funny to know Penelope doesn't like BL yet I always assumed she would. I'm not a huge fan either but only because of third legs and being as straight as a banana'

While Penelope's walking away and we're about to enter the tower, something I really shouldn't say has come to mind. If those two do end up being the token BL couple around here, then my words may hold some meaning.

"Turns out Petra, your father may have a thing for screwing anything in sight. Guess our parents may be more similar than first thought"

"Heh, you're terrible Ikarus, that's really not funny"

I really shouldn't be making jokes about that dickhead but Petra still seemed to chuckle about it, might as well use humour to mask the situation because there's nothing we can do about Petra's curse till that demon is dead.

Anyways, we make our way into the tower and find a reception desk inside with a magician tending the desk.

"Take the pod on the right if you're here to see the visitors again"

A hooded mage sits behind the reception desk greeting us rudely reminding me of an experience we had way back at the previous spire tower, at least before that one was destroyed.

'Mages and rudeness, tis a love story as old as time itself. Could always do some purging if they get too out of line, been meaning to do something a little edgy for some time'

We go over to the pod in question, teleport up to the top and instantly come into the room where both of the heavenly visitors spend their days.

Located in a lounge like common room, both the beings are deep in conversation with the demon lying down taking up an entire sofa, while the God sits hunched up slightly concerned with whatever it is going on. Before joining in, we wait to see how this what this conversation is about.

"...We don't need to go over it again young God, things are easy enough if you just sit back and wait for my words"

"Just because you know the future Asmodeus doesn't mean everyone should wait around till you say they're needed. I'm already stuck down here for the meantime so the least you can do is tell me who your contact is"

"It doesn't matter if you know who they are, it's just a pointless tad of information that isn't needed yet"

'Ah, while I've got a second, status'

[Name: Asmodeus | Species: Demon Lord | Level: 1,000]

[Health 166,666/166,666]

[Stamina 164,993/166,666]

[Magicka 166,666/166,666]

[<Only one of the two targets can be scanned, the other for obvious reasons>]

Despite not being able to confirm it back in the Underground, the two demon lords we've come across seem to share maxed out stats and the level counter. Since Dionysus is in his actual heavenly body and not like Jarl Denver, it makes sense why he can't be scanned.

Anyways, getting involved in the conversation that seems to be pissing the young God off, doubt I can be of much help but you never know.

"Sooo... what are you two talking about then?"

"Asmodeus has someone feeding him information from the heavens Ikarus, yet I have no idea on who. The problem is that Olympus dislikes demons so can't imagine anyone willing to help this bastard out"

The demon lord seems to relish being called a bastard, each to their own I guess.

"Is the contact from Ragnarök then? The Viking lot would be more willing to work with a demon, right?"

Ah, forgot to mention something important. During the last two weeks, we've already had conversations about things we probably should know, stuff like how there are four ruling factions and various things like that. Most of it was stuff already discussed by Dionysus and Asmodeus but obviously me and Petra weren't exactly well informed. At least now we kinda are, this honestly has been a needed distraction from all the wedding stuff going on.

Apparently, Olympus is divided, Ragnarök wants Zeus's head on a pike, the Angels only care about the destruction of demons and we're planning on wiping the entire demon race out. That pretty much sums everything up in a nice bow.

"Heh, you really can pick your moments to be perceptive orange one, I'd have told the young God when he eventually got close to it but it does save needless minutes of torment I suppose. I'm not sure if Loki wanted his involvement to be known yet though"

"Loki? I've really got to lay off the strong stuff, why in Olympus didn't I get that earlier?"

Should also mention the piles of empty bottle scattered around this place. If you think me and Petra have a drinking problem, then all you need to do is compare us to the God of drink himself.

"Loki himself has been making waves and rumour has it, he may have even chosen an incarnate himself"

"You know exactly who his incarnate is, don't you Asmodeus?"

Petra asks that making the lord grin madly, of course he knows but is being purposely vague.

"Sometimes, it doesn't hurt for a little bit of suspense and surprise dark one. You can do whatever you want to me, this'll be something I'm not sharing till said person reveals him or herself"

'Just this dickhead being unbearable like usual, no surprises there'

Ah, talking about people blessed by Gods, there's an important question I still haven't asked Dionysus himself about priestess.

"Oh, that reminds me of something, when will Charlotte's powers come back? She was wanting to ask but couldn't bring herself to do so"

Almost if I've said something uncomfortable, Dionysus really struggles to answer this. Is it some really complicated answer that may require a mountain of explanation?

"I... can't really give her anything, other than what she's able to do with her own two hands and that sword of hers. It's difficult to share"

"What the young God is struggling to say is that, all the power he was gifting comes from another. More specifically, the God of light to be precise"

"Everything my incarnate was able to do was coming through brother Apollo. He's been dormant for Zeus knows when so borrowing his power wasn't that big of a deal"

"'Borrowing', really isn't the correct word for this young God, stealing from someone more powerful is not borrowing"

"I left a message saying I'd pay him back someday, even if I have no clue if he's with or even against Zeus right now"

Ah, at least that explains how priestess was able to use that orbital laser and that flashbang attack from way back when, her supporting God was stealing said power through another God. I'm starting to think Dionysus is pretty weak all things considered.

Anyways, we end up spending a few more minutes discussing various other boring things before I start to see that gleam in Petra's gloomy eyes. She's wanting to get busy, no doubt about it.

"Heh, wanna head back home for a bit Ikarus? There's a gift waiting for you"

"Sure, we can TP back as well..."