DISCLAIMER: The characters within this story are property of SEGA and Sonic Team. Jack is a derivative of Shard "Jack" the Metal Sonic from Archie Comic Publications Inc.

The Ultimate Wedding

Sonic and the Freedom Fighters have all fought for their world's liberty for so many years. During this time, they all lost so much, it seems only right that they become closer. A number of these relationships have eventually blossomed to the point of love and romance. So a wedding comes as no surprise.

The bright light of the sun shone over a church in the heart of Station Square as friends and relatives gathered from all around. Inside, a black and red Mobian, commonly known as Shadow the Hedgehog, slipped into an all-white tuxedo. The Ultimate Lifeform, as he was sometimes called, turned around to look at himself in the full-length mirror that sat in the room. He had to admit he looked good in white. He had tried numerous times to comb his quills down, but it refused to be tamed, so he gave up and left it how it usually was. But he knew that his bride wouldn't mind. She had once told him that she preferred it this way.

There was, however, a small issue with the suit he was wearing… it was slightly too tight for his taste. He turned slightly annoyed at the human behind him. "Are you sure this is all they had that fits me?" he asked.

Chris chuckled. "Actually, Shadow, you said it was the only one that fit you."

"Well, I know it was one of us," he replied with a smirk. "No matter. It's too late to change now; else we'd have to cancel." He took a deep breath and adjusted his tie.

Jack, an old robot friend of his, walked over to stand next to him. He was going to be the best man (or in his case the best bot), and he knew how nervous and excited he was about it. "You have nothing to worry about, Shadz," said the robot, knowing exactly what was on his friend's mind.

He looked over at Jack. "I know, but hey… everyone gets nervous before their wedding. And I'm no exception."

"You do have a point, Faker," Sonic jumped in, "but really. What's to be afraid of? Eggman's locked up, Omega's guarding the church, and I don't need to be Silver to see what the future will be like. I know you two will be happy together."

Shadow smiled, knowing he was right. "Thanks, Blue Hedgehog." The rivalry between the two had long eased off. They were practically family, and soon they would be, in a way, brothers-in-law.

The blue hedgehog then looked at the clock. "Well, I'm off to fetch the bride. See ya at the altar."

On the other side of the church, Maria the Hedgehog, also known as Maria Robotnik, was being fussed over as her friends tried to make her just right. Rouge was trying to make a few final adjustments on her dress, while Amy and Bunnie styled her hair. None of them seemed to be satisfied whenever it seemed they were done, and so it was taking a very long time to get ready.

"You guys, I'm sure I look fine," the blonde hedgehog girl insisted once again, but her friends didn't listen and continued their work. She smiled and gently shook her head out of pleasure.

"If you move, we have to start all over!" the pink hedgehog warned.

Maria instantly stopped moving. She knew that if she had to start over, they would be in there for hours. She turned her eyes to the bat down by her feet. "Are you almost done down there, Rouge?"

"Just a few stitches," she replied, "and we'll be done with the best wedding dress you'll ever see. I'm calling it, 'The Undying Angel.'"

Maria smiled. The name fit rather well.

Soon, the bride's adoptive family came in. All of them were marveled at what they saw. There was only one in the family who didn't see the dress yet, but he was still on the way.

Charles was the first to speak. "Maria, you look wonderful."

"It reminds me of the day we got married," his sister-in-law, Bernadette, said with tears in her eyes.

"Shadow's a really lucky guy," Maria's adopted little brother, Ben Muttski, added.

The hedgehog girl couldn't help but blush. Ever since she was taken in, they have truly become the family she never had growing up.

"You don't look nervous at all," Jules commented.

The yellow Mobian almost shrugged, but knew better now. "I am, Dad. Trust me," she said. "But I've been dreaming of this day since I was a girl on the ARK, so I'm more excited than nervous. Besides, what's there to worry about?"

She was right. While there were a billion little things to get anxious over, she wasn't the least bit concerned over anything going wrong between her and Shadow. The two of them shared a bond so strong, and after all they had been through and all they lost, it seemed only right that they were there to support each other.

"What you should be worried about is when you guys have kids," said Rouge.

"Oh, shut up, Batgirl," Maria teased.

"Make me, Blondie," the white Mobian replied with a laugh and stepped back to admire her work.

"Nah, yeh made it crooked," Bunnie complained, going back to start on Maria's hair all over again.

The yellow hedgehog sighed and stood as still as possible, looking back at the day her husband-to-be proposed to her.

It was a peaceful and quiet Valentine's evening. The two lovers walked down the street together, hand in hand. Their stomachs were full from a romantic candlelit dinner for four. It was a double date with Sonic and Sally, which both the boys had planned together. But the black and red one had other things on his agenda.

It had been over a year since they had confessed their true feelings to one another. Long ago, when Maria was human, this spark ignited because of an accident within the ARK. Through all the trials and challenges they faced: their extended separation, their overdue reunion, and all the enemies they faced, their love for one another only grew stronger. So much so, in fact, that they even… well, that's another story.

After about ten minutes on foot, they made their way to a forest not too far from the city. Near the middle of the forest was a lake with a small island full of beautiful white flowers. Shadow in particular loved it here. Away from the everyday hassle of life, it was one of the few places around where he truly felt at peace. As they walked, they enjoyed the beauty of nature.

"Shadow?" Maria suddenly said, catching his attention. "I was wondering… were you waiting for me all this time?"

Shadow grinned. "Nah," he replied. "Even if I did know this would happen, I knew you wouldn't have wanted me to. We've all got our own lives to lead; we've got to live them the best we can."

'Such charm… Be still, my restless heart,' she thought to herself and placed a hand over her chest. For as long as she could remember, Maria was most happy just being with her hero. "You're right. Besides, it's no use telling the Ultimate Lifeform to stop doing what he was made to do."

"Not really."

Then, the blonde hedgehog saw an opportunity for a little teasing. "So you would've been okay if I helped Silver with his date, right?"

"Well… He's a step up from your brother, but that's not saying much."

Maria laughed. "You were jealous!"

"Yeah, well, you were jealous of Rouge, and she's just my partner-in-crime."

"Oh, I see how it is," Maria gave him a friendly push. "I open up to you, and you throw it back at me."

Shadow chuckled. "Yep. Always a step ahead, even outside of my missions."

"Yeah, well… could you do me a favor?"

"Sure. What do you need?"

"Just… try not to get too far ahead…" She wrapped her arms around her beloved and rested her head on his shoulder. "…because I want to stay by your side."

The G.U.N. Commando smiled again. The time had come. "I was hoping you'd say that."

"Wha…? What do you mean?"

Shadow didn't respond immediately. Instead, he unwrapped himself from her embrace and held her hands in his own. Then, he spoke again. "Maria," he began, "the day I thought I lost you was the worst day of my life. I felt so empty without you, as though I had no reason to be happy. Keeping my promise was practically the only thing that kept me sane at times, though the G.U.N. and the Freedom Fighters also helped me through the harder parts. When you came back in this form, I realized how much I needed you… how much I cared about you…"

The black and red one then kneeled before her and reached into his pocket to show a small velvet box. It opened to reveal a sterling silver ring with a blue topaz gemstone. The hedgehog girl's eyes widened, and she covered her mouth. She had been dreaming of this moment for so long, and it was finally happening.

"And now, I never want to lose you again. Maria Robotnik Hedgehog, will you marry me?"

Her answer came in two forms. First, tears of joy slowly emerged from the yellow Mobian's eyes and ran around her smile. Shortly after came the verbal answer itself. But she was so overjoyed in the moment that she could only muster out one word…

"Y-Yes!"

Amy carefully placed the final touch on Maria… a tiara that also held the veil in place. "Alright, you're finally ready," she announced, taking a step back to admire their work.

Rouge circled Maria, making sure she was absolutely flawless. Finally she nodded, very pleased with herself, and went to stand next to the other Mobians.

"Thanks so much you guys," said Maria in awe of herself in the mirror. "I would never have looked this amazing without your help."

"Oh, it was nothing," the girls all said at the same time. They all laughed, and just then, Sonic walked into the room.

"You can all relax. The brother of the bride is- Whoa!" He cut himself off, seeing his 'twin sister' standing before him in her wedding dress, looking more beautiful than she had ever been before. He was silent for a second. Then he smirked, walking forward to get a better look at her. "You girls really outdid yourselves this time."

Maria stayed as still as she could. She wanted her brother to see what the girls had done. When he was done, he would have given her a hug, would it not ruin the hours of hard work. "Is it time?" asked the bride.

Her brother nodded, smiling. "It's time."

"Well then… let's do it to it."

"Hey! That's my line."

Maria giggled softly in response. The two siblings linked arms and began for the sanctuary, and everyone else followed.

Shadow waited patiently at the altar, watching as his friends gathered and chatted amongst themselves. He didn't allow his nerves to show on his face, but he knew that that would all change once he saw her.

The G.U.N. agent took deep breaths to calm himself. He glanced over at his friends for support. Chris and Jack, who were both standing beside him, each gave him a smile to relax him. Shadow smiled in thanks, and when he turned his head back around, he was faced with the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on.

Maria's long golden hair fell in loose curls down her back, the shorter parts in the front hanging just above her shoulders. Her veil mostly covered her face, but he could tell that she had little to no make-up on, as to not ruin her already lovely face. Her dress was amazing. The skirt fell to the ground in a waterfall of white ruffles, with a few ribbons of silver cascading down the front. It was sleeveless, while also very modest. If the bridegroom had to choose one word to describe her, it would be 'perfect.'

The Bridal Chorus echoed through the room, the hedgehog girl started her walk down the aisle, with Sonic on her right and their father on her left. She looked up at her Shadow the Hedgehog waiting there for her, and she knew that this was it. This was the day that she truly made herself one with the flame of her life.

Once they reached the altar, Sonic gave Maria's hand one more squeeze before taking his place beside Shadow. He and Maria turned to face each other, and Knuckles, who as it turned out had a license to wed, stood beside them and cleared his throat.

"Friends, family, and Freedom Fighters old and new," he began, "we are gathered here today in the presence of God to see the union of two of our finest. Two heroes who, like all of us, have lost a great deal in our struggle for freedom… but also, they have shown us all that miracles do happen, and that love is far stronger than any Chaos Emerald will ever be.

"It is by their selflessness that we can enjoy this moment. And we have nothing but thanks for their actions and for letting us join them on their happiest of days. And so, without further ado, it is my great pleasure to unite Shadow the Hedgehog and Maria Robotnik Hedgehog in Holy Matrimony. If anyone here has any reason against this union, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

All was quiet, and no one soul objected. The only sound emitting through the church was that of a cricket.

Espio looked next to him to see that the sound came from Charmy Bee rubbing his legs together. "Show-off," he muttered.

The red echidna sighed in relief as he continued. "Shadow, do you choose Maria to be your partner in life, promising to love and cherish her through joy and sorrow, sickness and health, and all other challenges you may face for as long as you both shall live?"

The groom smiled and focused his eyes on his bride. "I do," he replied.

Knuckles then turned to her. "Maria, do you choose Shadow to be your partner in life, promising to love and cherish him through joy and sorrow, sickness and health, and all other challenges you may face for as long as you both shall live?"

The bride focused her eyes on her groom. "I do," she answered, "with all my heart."

"Now, join your hands to show that you are joined together in love," the red one instructed.

The two did as told, without taking their eyes off the other for a second.

"You have for each other a gold ring. This most precious of metals symbolizes that love is the most precious element in your life together. The ring has no beginning and no ending, which symbolizes that the love between you will never cease. May these rings remind you always of the vows you have made today…" Knuckles then signaled to Tails.

The yellow fox hovered over to them and lowered the cushion beside them. On it were the wedding rings.

Shadow took one of them and recited his speech for the exchange. "I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I ask you to wear this ring always as a reminder of the vows we have spoken today." As he spoke, he slid the wedding ring on Maria's finger, right next to her engagement ring.

Maria took the other, and she recited her speech. "I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness for you. Let it be a reminder that I am always by your side and that I will always be a faithful partner to you." As she spoke, she slid the ring on his finger.

"And now, I ask that you recite your vows to one another," Knuckles told them.

By long tradition, the groom spoke first. "Maria, I love you and I know that this love is from God. Because of this, I want to be your husband so that we may serve Christ together. Through all of the trials and uncertainties of the present and future, I promise to be faithful to you and love you. I promise to guide and protect you as Christ does His church for as long as we both shall live. God's Word gives us the perfect example of this love in Christ's death for the Church. I shall try always, with God's help, to show you this same kind of love, for I know that in His sight, we will both be one."

Then it was the bride's turn to proclaim her love. "Shadow, I love you, and I know you love me. I am confident that God has chosen you to be my husband. It is my prayer and desire that you will find in me the helpmeet God designed especially for you, and in confidence, I will submit myself unto your headship as unto our Lord. Therefore, I pledge myself to you as an obedient, faithful and loving wife. Whither thou goes, I will go; whither thou lodges, I will lodge. Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God."

Knuckles then spoke the final words. "Those whom God hath joined together in love let no man, Mobian, or pack of robots put asunder. These two souls have consented together in Holy wedlock, and have proclaimed the same before God and this company of witnesses. They have given their love, each to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving a ring, and by joining hands. Therefore, by the power vested in me in His Holy name…"

'This is it,' Maria thought, 'the beginning of happily ever after.'

'At last,' Shadow thought, 'now nothing can separate us.'

"…I hereby pronounce this couple husband and wife. You many now kiss your bride." Knuckles concluded.

Shadow lifted the veil that covered Maria's face, snuck his hand around her waist, and slowly pulled her closer. They then closed their eyes, puckered their lips and then gave each other the most passionate kiss they have ever had in their lives.

Jack smiled at his now married friends. "Ah, Master Gerald," he said quietly, "I wish you could see this…"

As the two newlyweds broke from their kiss, the red echidna smiled. "Ladies and Gentlemen," he declared, "it is my great honor to present to you Mr. And Mrs. Shadow the Hedgehog!"

The massive crowd stood as one and began to cheer, roaring with delight and good will. The newlyweds walked down the aisle and toward the door, which would lead them to where the reception banquet awaited. The rice throwing began. Thousands of tiny white grains showered them, getting into their hair and clothing. Laughter joined with the cheering; even Shadow and Maria laughed.

"Hey, Shadow! Enjoy your future! It's going to be great!"

The black hedgehog was not sure who said that, but it did sound a lot like Sonic.

What joy… What love… This was a day to be remembered.

(Final Considerations: this is actually supposed to be an extended version to an epilogue of another fan-fiction I'm working on, entitled 'Shadow the Hedgehog 2: Return of the Jul Kendov.' Coming Spring 2015. Also, this is my first publishing, so please do not comment too negatively.)