Berserk Dragon

As the final guests arrived and took their seats, a hushed anticipation filled the grand venue. The golden light of the setting sun bathed the surroundings, casting a warm, ethereal glow over the scene. The air was thick with expectation as everyone awaited the start of the wedding that had already become the talk of the century.

The music began to swell, a harmonious blend of strings and soft melodies, signaling the start of the ceremony. The crowd's murmur quieted, all eyes turning toward the stage where the groom was about to make his entrance.

Tony Stark, the groom, emerged from behind the curtains, exuding his usual charismatic confidence. Dressed in a custom-tailored black tuxedo with subtle silver accents, he made his way to the stage with a mixture of pride and excitement. The subtle shimmer of the suit's fabric hinted at the high-tech enhancements hidden within—a typical Tony touch. He was flanked by his best men, each as sharply dressed, but none could outshine the groom's magnetic presence. As he reached the center of the stage, Tony paused, taking a moment to look out over the assembled guests—friends, allies, and some of the most powerful individuals in the world.

The music shifted, taking on a more melodic tone as everyone turned their attention to the entrance of the bride. The double doors at the back of the venue slowly swung open, revealing Pepper Potts, the bride, standing at the threshold. She was breathtakingly beautiful, her white gown a masterpiece of elegant simplicity, flowing gracefully as she began her walk down the aisle. Accompanying her were the bridesmaids, all dressed in soft shades of pastel, their presence adding to the serene beauty of the moment.

Pepper's face was radiant, a mixture of joy and nerves evident in her expression as she made her way forward. Her eyes were locked on Tony, who smiled warmly back at her, his heart clearly full. Each step she took was measured and graceful, the soft rustle of her gown the only sound that accompanied the gentle melody playing in the background.

The bridesmaids walked beside her, each one a picture of poise, their bouquets held delicately in their hands. They framed Pepper perfectly, enhancing the moment without drawing attention away from the bride herself. As Pepper neared the stage, the guests couldn't help but be captivated by the sheer elegance and emotional weight of the moment.

Finally, Pepper reached Tony, who stepped forward to take her hand. The world seemed to hold its breath as the two stood together, facing each other, ready to embark on this new chapter of their lives. The energy in the room shifted, becoming something almost tangible, as if everyone present was aware that this was not just a wedding but a moment that would be remembered for generations.

The ceremony was about to begin, and with it, the merging of two lives that had already changed the world in ways unimaginable.

The priest, a dignified man with a calm demeanor, stepped forward as the music faded into silence. He stood at the center of the stage, facing the couple with a serene smile, his hands clasped together in front of him. The guests settled into their seats, the quiet reverence of the moment taking hold as the ceremony truly began.

"Dearly beloved," the priest began, his voice steady and clear, resonating through the grand venue. "We are gathered here today to witness the union of Anthony Edward Stark and Virginia Potts in holy matrimony. This is a day of joy, a celebration of love, commitment, and the beautiful journey that these two souls have chosen to embark on together."

The words carried a weight that everyone in the room could feel, a reminder of the significance of the moment. Tony and Pepper stood side by side, their hands lightly touching, sharing a glance that spoke of their shared history and deep affection for one another.

"As we gather in this sacred space," the priest continued, "we are reminded of the importance of love in all its forms—love that is patient, love that is kind, love that endures all things. Today, we celebrate not just the union of two individuals, but the merging of two lives into one."

The priest paused, his gaze sweeping over the assembled guests, taking in the faces of the powerful and the ordinary alike, all gathered to honor this momentous occasion.

"Marriage," he said, turning his attention back to the couple, "is not to be entered into lightly, but with deep reverence and love. It is a bond that is meant to last a lifetime, a partnership that will weather the storms and bask in the sunlight of life. Anthony and Virginia, you stand here today because you have chosen each other, to be each other's companion, confidant, and lifelong partner."

Tony and Pepper exchanged a tender look, their connection palpable to everyone present.

The priest took a deep breath, and the room seemed to hold its collective breath with him. "Now," he said, his tone becoming slightly more formal, "before we proceed, if there is anyone here who has reason to believe that these two should not be joined in matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace."

The words hung in the air, a moment of profound silence following them. Eyes darted across the room, some filled with curiosity, others with trepidation. Even Tony and Pepper seemed to tense slightly, as if bracing themselves for the possibility that someone might speak up.

The atmosphere in the room grew thick with anticipation, the weight of the question pressing down on everyone present as they waited to see if anyone would dare to interrupt this union.

Bang!

Clang!

Two sharp, consecutive sounds shattered the tense silence, echoing through the grand venue. The first was the unmistakable crack of a gunshot, and the second, a metallic clash, as something heavy collided with an unyielding force.

Everyone's eyes snapped toward the entrance, where the disturbance originated. A figure had burst into the room, weapon drawn, and in a flash, fired directly at the priest. The moment was pure chaos—gasps of shock and horror rippled through the crowd as the deadly bullet raced toward its target.

But before it could find its mark, Shiki, standing as one of Tony's groomsmen, moved with lightning speed. Shiki's hand shot up, enveloped in a dark, shimmering aura—his Armament Haki activated just in time. The bullet struck his reinforced palm with a loud clang, the impact so forceful that it resonated like a bell.