.~*Chapter Twenty-Seven*~.

The Fifth Trial: Survival Test

Beary sighed as he walked back to his and Jewel's shelter, which was just a large blue tarp hung over a low-hanging branch. He had cleared the ground inside it of the snow and put down the poncho for Jewel to sit on. He had then given her the space blanket to use. He would sit on the cold ground and use his fur and coat to keep warm and would also curl up by her side to share body heat.

Also under the tarp was a fire, first aid kit, pocket knife, and two pounds of food and water, as well as a single pan. They also had a walkie-talkie so they could communicate with Lei should something happen.

Beary thought back to what Faye had told them.

"You must survive two weeks in the wilderness in the harshest conditions, in this case, winter, with just the bare essentials: [one of each]

v Space blanket

v Poncho

v Tarp

v Fire Starter

v One pound of food

v One water bottle/Bottle of Iodine

v Whistle

v Compass

v First Aid Kit

v Pocket Knife

You must build a shelter, stay warm, hunt/cook your food, find water, and most of all: Survive.

This Trial is to simulate the toughest conditions in marriage where things may get rough. If the Bonded-to-be fail, then the Trials are over and may never be completed against by the pair together.

As an added thing, only because Jewel is pregnant, I will give you a walkie-talkie. Should something happen, you will have a direct line to Lei."

Beary had just gone out to fetch some more firewood and a rabbit.

It was week two of the Fifth Trial, and he and Jewel had managed through the first week as best they could. There had been a blizzard, but thankfully they had had enough wood to keep the fire going. They had kept in contact with the ones they'd left behind at the cabin, letting them know that they were all right.

They had fought a couple of times, but quickly resolved it.

He had a feeling that this week would be even worse.

"Jewel? Jewel, I'm back," he said, walking into the makeshift tent.

She looked up at him and at what he had in his paws, and gave a small smile. "Hey, Beary." She slowly got up, walking over to him and gave him a quick kiss. She was shivering just slightly.

He smiled and closed the tent door, setting the firewood in the pile before going over and putting the meat from the rabbit in the pan that had been sitting on the fire all day.

"Got us some meat. Are you feeling better?" The baby had been acting up throughout the night, and Jewel, being how young and small she was, was having trouble dealing with it.

"Little one's still moving around, but for the moment has settled." She winced as the infant turned around. "Mmm. Rabbit again? Yummy." She wiggled her nose, having a sniff; her bump wobbling a bit as she waddled a little.

"It's all I could get... Tomorrow, I'll try to get a squirrel, if you want." He looked at her worriedly. "You should be laying down, Gem." He gently stroked her cheek. "I can do this..."

"I know, but laying down all the time makes me stiff, C-bear." She purred softly and nuzzled his paw. "Using the bones and stuff, boiling them make a good stock for soup or stew." She glanced over at the pan, her mouth watering at the smell of the meat cooking.

He smirked at her and held out a bag. "Well, then, here ya go." Inside the bag were the bones from the rabbit.

"Thanks." She then glanced around. "Borrow your knife a moment?" She sat down with the bag looking at the bones and then at the bag.

He passed it over to her, smiling.

She nodded in thanks and stuck her tongue between her teeth. She took out one of the bigger bones; the tiny ones weren't going to be much use except for glue—not that they needed that—and looked at it. She then looked for a suitable point to slide the knife in to split the bone.

Beary watched her curiously. She'd always done this every time he'd gotten bones. "What are you doing?"

"Getting the marrow out, its meat in a way as well." There was a sharp crack! as she split the bone in two down the length and then used the knife to scoop and slide out the red juicy marrow.

"Oh. Lei teach you that?"

"How'd you guess? Yeah she did."

He chuckled and sat down. "So... Another week, and then we can go back to our loft..."

She grinned and did the same with as many of the big bones as she could—there were only about four or so as it was a rabbit—she smiled at that. "I know, but it's kind of nice being just you and me. I mean, I know so far it's been hard here and there, but, we've never done anything like this before." She then went over to the pan and set them in as well.

"We've never been on a real date before, either," he sighed.

"Well, this may as well be one... why not?"

"Hm... I guess. But I would have liked to taken you on one before... well..." He glanced at her belly, which was getting bigger by the day.

"I know, but look at us. We're together, I'm carrying your child, and we're doing stuff together. Maybe one day we will get a chance to."

He sighed and looked down. "I... I wish you weren't..." he mumbled.

"C-bear, I know, but please don't be upset. We'll get away from that place… before..." she paused and shivered her ears went down.

"I didn't want this life for you. I... I didn't want you to become like me... a breeder. A meaningless nothing. Only good for creating cubs..."

"Beary, you're not a worthless or meaningless nothing. Please, C-bear..." she winced at that word. "It's not your fault what that sick bastard made you do."

"I've betrayed you, Jewel... Our Bond..."

"Wasn't your fault. You didn't have a choice." She walked over to him and snuffled, burying her nose into his slightly damp fur, nuzzling him.

He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "I did... I could have gotten us out... or, at least, you..." He sighed. "He gave me an offer: Stay and be his new boytoy and he would let you go free, or become a breeder and keep you by my side..." He whimpered, looking away, not letting her see his tears. "I was selfish..."

She looked up and nudged with her snout his face, whimpering at him, knowing too well by now that Thrasher would never have kept that promise, even if Beary had taken that offer.

He sighed. "This is all my fault, anyway... I've ruined your life... Thirteen and pregnant..."

She growled into his fur and sighed deeply. "Beary, please stop saying it's all your fault when it isn't!"

"It is... Me and my damn lust."

"There's nothing wrong with that! Beary, what if you'd never got to me in time? You know, when..." She shivered thinking about Mark and what he'd almost done to her all those months ago.

He whimpered and pulled her close, letting out a soft growl. "One of these days... I'll make him pay for what he'd tried to do. Trying to hurt you."

"Don't... that'll just make things worse." She nosed him rubbing her fuzzy head into his chest.

"And... and then there was when T-Thrasher..." He bit his lip. "I should have been there..."

"Yeah, b-but that wasn't your fault!"

"Might as well have been. If only I hadn't gone hunting with Derek, I... I could have taken your place."

She growled at that. "If he had done anything like he did to me to you, Beary, I would have torn his nuts off."

He flinched. "Um, Jewel... He..." He gulped and whimpered. "During the day, he'd have me, you know, breed... but at night... I... I... I was..." He broke off, trembling. "I was his bitch."

She sighed softly. "I know, which is why I hate him more than anything in the world." She looked down her ears limp as she whined.

He looked at her, shocked. How had she found out?!

"I heard what happened, remember? When what's her name came down. It was obvious what happened to you. You said that he'd drug you at times as well."

He flinched and pulled her close. "Jewel... shh... try to forget that now... It's done, now. No more, no more. Come on, dinner's ready, I think," he said, quickly changing the subject.

"Mmhm." She turned around to look at the pan, sniffing at the smell of the meat, subconsciously polishing up her mouth for it.

He laughed and went over, scooping up the biggest portion—more than 3/4 of the meat—onto a round plate they'd been given, and passed it over to her. "Eat up."

"Nuh-uh you take some more of that, Beary. That's way too much for me to eat. Go on we share halfsies."

He shook his head. "I'm... cutting back. Been eating too much. You're the one with our little one, after all." He smiled, placing a paw on her belly.

"And you are the one going hunting every day, mister. Now take some back."

"Jewel, you're more important than me. Please. I'm not hungry."

"You are as important as I am, now stop complaining. If you're not going to eat much, eat what you want and we'll, I don't know, do something with the rest."

"We can't save it, Jewel. You know that. Please, honey, eat it. Then we can sleep." He wasn't going to take "no" for an answer.

"You eat or I won't."

He scowled at her. "Don't make me feed you."

"I dare you."

He smirked and picked up a piece of meat before gently stroking her jaw, knowing she'd open her mouth. The moment she did, he popped it into her mouth and laughed. He then kissed her. "All right, Jewel. I'll eat a little more." He scraped some off of her plate into his paw and began eating.

She glared at him and picked up a piece herself and tapped his snout. "Open up, you." She smirked, her other paw reaching for a ticklish spot. May as well play a bit before she'd tuck in.

He let out a squeak and squirmed away. "No, no, no, no!"

"Come on, you, open those jaws or no dessert." She wouldn't let up.

He blinked. "Dessert?"

She used that moment to pop the piece of meat in his mouth. "Wait and see." She then started on her food wolfing it down.

He smiled and swallowed, leaning against her as he began eating his fill.

When they were both done, he turned to her. "So, what's dessert?"

"Know it's not much, but..." She got up and went over to a hidden spot and picked up a bundle of something, which when she got to the table and set down, it turned out to be soft fruits. She'd been out of the tent foraging.

Beary blinked. "Where did you get fruits?" It was only mid-March!

She didn't answer, just motioned to him to eat up keeping her mouth shut as she sucked on them.

He gave her a small smile and took one of them, sucking on the sweet juices as well. "These are delicious."

"Mhm. Went out looking for something for tonight, didn't find anything, so I came back and there they were in a bundle by the tree over there. I did wash them and check them over, by the way, there's nothing wrong with them."

"Strange... But, a delicious treat. Thank you, Jewel." He leaned forward and gave her a kiss. "Shall we save a few for tomorrow?" He yawned.

"There was only six, Beary." She returned the kiss and nosed him, purring. "I think it's time we were going to bed," she yawned and then blinked.

He smiled and pulled her over to her poncho, covering her with the space blanket. "I'll stay up and watch the fire for a bit. Go on and sleep..."

"Do...n't wannnna," she yawned.

He laughed and touched her side, running his paw down her body. "Go to sleep, Gem. Shh."

"Mmmmmm..." She shivered purring as she settled down, yawning again. She looked at him dozily. Warm and with a full belly, her eyes slowly fluttered closed as she settled down to sleep.

He smiled gently at her, kissing her cheek. He sat up and watched the fire for a few more minutes before going over and putting it out. He then crawled back over to her and curled up on the ground, wrapping his arms around her.

.~*The Trials*~.

Jewel was grumbling and growling as she paced around the camp. "I swear, you can't do anything, Beary, at times!" She was basically trashing the place as she shoved things here and there in a stinking mood.

Beary's eyes were wide. "What are you talking about?" He'd come back to their camp after an unsuccessful hunt just minutes before, and Jewel had just started going after him.

"You know what! Can't even go on hunt right! I'm getting sick of just eating rabbit and squirrel! I reek! I haven't been able to have a proper wash since being out here!"

"It's still cold out, Jewel! If you were to wash in the stream, you'd freeze to death!"

"I don't care! I stink! My fur is greasy and I'm sleeping on a hard fugging surface every night!"

"Jewel, baby, please! Calm down! I'm sleeping on the same ground! But now that it's gotten warmer, I've given you my coats to lay on!" Sure, it meant he was cold every night, but it didn't matter as long as she was comfortable.

"I just want to go back to the loft! I hate it out here!"

"It's just another few hours, Jewel, before they come get us!"

"Why can't we go back now! I've had enough of being out here!"

"Because if we go now we'll fail the Trial!"

"To hell with the damn Trial!" She went into the bed area and grabbed her poncho.

He grabbed her paw. "Jewel, please! Just a few more hours! Then we can be done with the Trials! We can do the Bonding Ceremony!"

She turned around and looked at him, her face wrecked, she was emotional, tired, and fed up.

"Please, Jewel... We've gone through all the Trials for this... For..." He broke off, placing his paw on her belly to finish his answer. "Because we love each other..." He searched her eyes. "Right?"

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she just broke down bursting into tears.

He gathered her up in his arms, sitting down and pulling her into his lap. He gently cradled her, rocking her side to side. "Shh... Jewel, I love you, and I love our child. I know we're young, but... this is our life now. But, if you no longer want this, I'll understand. I'll allow you to go back to the cabin before the time is up. I don't mind. I will always love you, even if I won't be able to marry you until we are eighteen. You will always be Jewel Taylor to me." He kissed her forehead.

She sobbed and looked up at him. "I never want to be with anyone but you, I want this... but it's just so hard. I don't want to be Jewel Taylor, Beary." She nuzzled him, still sniffling.

He flinched and looked at her, shocked. She... She didn't want to take his last name? She didn't want to be his? "O-Oh... I... I understand... Um... okay..." He gently lifted her up and off him before getting up. "I... I'll be back..." And he walked out, quickly disappearing in the snow. He was going to end the Trial. She wasn't ready to take his name, if she ever wanted to. It was time to end the charade.

"Beary? Beary?!" She scrambled up. What the hell had she said? She took off after him. "Beary! Wait! Please!" She looked through the snow calling and crying for him desperately.

She'd never meant to say that! What had she done!?

He could hear her cries, but knew it was useless. He had to end this.

Quietly he walked through the trees, knowing that Jewel would eventually find his tracks.

"Beary! Please! Come back! I'm sorry! Please, come back!" She stumbled, her belly causing problems, following his footsteps. She let out a scream as she tripped over hidden roots, flailing and grabbed hold of a tree sobbing in fright. "Beary!"

His ears flicked back. Wait. Why has she screamed? Whimpering, he turned around. Was she hurt? Or was she just doing it to make him come back?

He sighed, then blinked. Wait. What if the baby was coming? Quickly, he began running back towards where he'd left her. "Jewel? JEWEL!"

She looked up and around, now freaked from the fall. Whimpering, calling for him, she looked scared; she sunk to the ground, whimpering, and her head in her arms. Her whole body was shaking.

Jewel soon came into view, and Beary paused. How could he have left her like that? "Jewel?" he whispered, walking over. "Are you okay? I... I was leaving... to end the Trial. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have put you through this."

"Please, don't leave me... please... please..." She was whimpering, looking up at him tearfully and shaking. "Please, don't ever leave me, Beary... please."

He knelt down, touching her cheek. "Never... I'm only going to free you, Jewel. I'm going to end the Trial. I won't put you through this any longer."

"No! Please, I don't want you to! Please! I don't want you to free me from this! Please! I'm sorry I said that! I wasn't thinking right! Please!" She was getting even more distressed the fact he said that.

"Whoa, whoa!" He put his paws on either side of her face and looked into her eyes. "Easy. Calm down, please! Shh, honey... Shh... I'm sorry. I won't leave you, I promise... We'll complete the Trial after all. We'll get married... And... Will... Will you become Jewel Taylor?"

"I want to be more than just Jewel Taylor, Beary. I want to be yours in every way I can be! I love you so much!" She looked up into his hazel eyes and nodded and nuzzled him.

He smiled gently and kissed her nose. "Jewel, you already are. You are my everything, Gem."

She kissed him back and using him, got herself back up onto her feet, stumbling a moment. "And you are mine, C-bear , my lil bear." She put her arms around him and cuddled him, breathing in his scent, nosing and nuzzling him.

He smiled and held her close, kissing her forehead. "I love you, Jewel."

"And I love you."

"Congratulations, you two. You've just completed the Fifth Trial."

Beary jumped a foot in the air. Where had they come from? He turned and looked back at Lei, Derek, Faye, Dex, and Roxi.

Jewel let out a cry and glanced around before spotting them, breathing heavily and looking at them in shock.

They laughed and approached them. "Come on, you two. Let's go home. We have a wedding to plan," Lei smiled.

Faye held up her paw. "First, the completion." She stepped forward and stood in front of the cubs. "As of this moment, Beary Henry Taylor and Jewel Destiny O'Neal have completed the Fifth and final Trial. They are now allowed to complete the Bond in a Ceremony to be done next week, giving them time to gather themselves together and prepare."

Beary looked at Jewel and smiled, squeezing her paw.

.~*The Country Bears*~.

Over the next week, Lei was hard at work finding something for them all to wear. For Jewel, she had found an elegant white cloth that she was sewing into a beautiful, yet simple, gown. For Roxi, she had managed to find a light blue gown from when she was younger and thinner.

For Dex and Beary, Derek had raided his own closet and managed to find a few things as well. A couple of vests, shirts, and pants.

Roxi and Dex had asked Faye if she would marry them on the same day as Beary and Jewel. Faye had agreed, and thankfully had had a normal Ceremony book.

The week had passed by so fast, and finally it was the big day.

Beary wore a simple black vest, no shirt, and a blue tie. He also wore black dress pants. His hazel eyes danced and sparkled with delight at the thought of completing the Bond with Jewel. However, he was scared out of his mind at the same time. Were they really ready for this? Their lives were never going to be the same after they said the Oath. There was no going back.

'Stop it,' he growled to himself. 'You have to complete the Bond. You don't want the baby to be a bastard, do you? Didn't think so. You have no other choice.' He sighed softly and waited beneath the weeping willow, watching as the wind gently made waves in the long leaves. The leaf curtain was pulled back slightly, a small string clumping several of the leaves together in order to form a sort of entrance to the tree's humble shelter.

Standing by the altar—which was really the wooden table from the cabin—was Faye, dressed in a long white robe with a light blue stole. She held a small, ancient book in her paws. Set upon the altar was two silver chalices, a wine bottle, a red ribbon, a candle, and two silver rings.

Derek stood beside the young male, dressed in a vest and dress pants, a small smile gracing his lips. He ran his finger over the silver ring around his left ring finger. It had been so long since he had been able to wear it—they had hidden their rings when Thrasher came into power, because he tended to steal things that didn't belong to him and keep them in a "treasure chest." He knew that Lei was wearing hers as well, considering it was a special day. Speaking of his beloved, he couldn't wait to see her in her light green dress with her silver hair all done up nice and pretty.

Little Izzy smiled and played in the tree, dressed in a pair of shorts and a shirt. She was enjoying being free, and didn't want to sit still one bit. Faye didn't mind, however, enjoying watching her daughter run around. At least she had been able to rescue one of her brother's cubs.

Dex smiled and held his new bride close to him, kissing her cheek. They had been married just minutes before with Derek and Beary as witnesses since Lei was getting Jewel ready. He couldn't believe it. Here he was, eighteen-years-old, married, and with a baby on the way. "I love you, Roxi."

Roxi, wearing a long, slightly baggy, blue dress with no fancy trimmings that didn't have a waist line so her belly didn't stick out so much, placed a hand on her belly and smiled at him. "I love you, too, my Smexy Dexy. Roxanne Barrington… I like the sound of that…"

He laughed and kissed her forehead as he looked over at his younger brother from where he was sitting. "He and Jewel are so young… I… I can't believe it… Going to be married and soon they're going to have a baby of their own…"

"I know, Dexter, I know. But I do know that this was the way things were meant to happen. If it wasn't, then why didn't their gods put a stop to it? They were meant to be together. Nothing will ever change that. Yes, they're young, but this way… they'll be together forever." Even though Roxanne was a human, she knew about the culture bears followed and about their gods. She didn't mind it in the least bit.

He sighed and looked at Beary again. "Hey, you're going to be fine, Doofus. Just chill."

Beary looked at him and blinked before sticking his tongue out at him.

.~*~.

Down the hill, Lei looked at the pregnant teenager and smiled. "You look lovely, Jewel."

"I look fat," the mother-to-be complained.

"You do not!"

Jewel wore a single-strap white gown, with blue-green lining, which dragged across the soft green grass still moist from morning dew. Her large belly was just barely seen under the loose material, though it did leave the front of the gown hanging. Three thin silver chains dangled from each ear, and from these hung a blue diamond, one for each chain. Her hair was styled in an updo, with intricate curls held in place by many pins; wildflowers were woven throughout the curls.

Atop her head was a beautiful diamond and sapphire tiara. A line of diamonds formed the bottom, and the rest were formed into a fancy design, centering around the main gem cut into the form of half a star. Diamonds surrounded it, setting off the clear diamond glory. Her forest green eyes twinkled, but there was a hint of worry hidden deep within them. "I do too…"

The silver she-bear, wearing a long, light green dress, with her long, silver and black hair done up in a French braid, frowned. "Now, Jewel… Don't tear yourself down, especially today. You're completing the Bond, honey. That's something to be cheerful about."

"I guess…"

Lei stopped, causing the teenager to stop as well. "What's wrong?"

"I…I don't know if I can do this. I… I don't think I'm ready," Jewel whispered.

The sixty-one-year-old's eyes softened. "I know you don't think you are. I felt the same way when Derek and I got married. Every girl has the jitters on their Bonding day. Well, wedding day. Have you talked to Beary about this?"

Jewel looked away.

"I see… Well, all I can tell you is to do what you think is right. I'm positive that Beary will wait for you." She gently squeezed the golden female's shoulder. "Now, come on. I believe someone is waiting for you…"

The thirteen-year-old slowly continued her trek up the hill to where Beary was waiting for her. With each step, her worry mounted. What if something went wrong? What if they weren't ready? What if down the road something happened and they didn't love each other anymore? Did they really love each other now? Were they only doing this because she was pregnant? If she wasn't, would they still be getting married? Or was it just a false love? A temporary love…

As they reached the top of the hill, Jewel was so wrapped up in her worrying thoughts that she didn't hear Beary's voice. It wasn't until he touched her shoulder that she noticed where she was. As soon as her eyes lay upon the altar, her mind went into panic mode. "I can't do this. I can't do this!" she cried, waddling away as fast as she could, desperate to get away from the weeping willow.

"Jewel!" Beary cried, immediately giving chase. "Jewel, stop!" He caught up to her fairly quick and pulled her into his arms. "Jewel… Gem, talk to me," he whispered.

Jewel struggled in his arms for about fifteen seconds, then gave up and burst into tears. "I can't do this!"

Beary lowered her to the ground, allowing her to sit on his lap to as not stain her white dress. He rocked her back and forth as she bawled in his arms. "Shh… It's okay…" he said softly, gently rubbing her back. He placed his other paw on her belly, feeling the infant within the womb kick. "Talk to me, Jewel…"

It took her a few minutes to calm down enough to speak. "I… I'm sc-scared…" That single statement allowed her to relay all her feelings on the matter, her fears, dreams… Everything. And Beary listened attentively, a few tears rolling down his cheeks.

"I'm scared too," he said quietly. "I'm scared of not being able to protect you… or our cub. Hell, I'm petrified. I've failed once… who says I won't again?" He lifted her snout so that she was staring straight into his hazel eyes. "But I vow to shelter, defend, and protect you from this moment on. I will always be there, no matter what. I am yours and you are mine, Jewel. Together forever."

Jewel wanted to believe him, wanted to believe every single word he said, but she knew that things tended to happen, and promises sometimes didn't mean anything.

Beary noticed the worry in her eyes. "Hey, I've never broken a promise to you, have I? Well, when I can help it?"

She had to shake her head. No, he hadn't broken a promise to her that she could remember.

He kissed her forehead, letting his lips linger for a few extra seconds. "I love you, Jewel," he murmured, his lips still against the thin fur on her forehead. "Nothing will ever change that. This is our new life… Together and no one can tear us apart."

The young mother-to-be shifted slightly and rested her head atop his shoulder. "I love you, too…"

They sat in silence for a few minutes, watching as the sun began to set.

Finally, Beary spoke up again. "Are you ready?"

A small nod was his answer.

.~ ~.

[Beary, Jewel, Both]

"That on this day

May our truths be told

From now until forever

To cherish one another

From flesh until dust

Forsaking all others

To become one heart

In sickness and in health

For richer

For poorer

I will become your Bonded

I pledge to you

My heart

My life

My soul"

Beary and Jewel stood before the altar, their paws clasped in front of them, as they recited the Oath. Their eyes never left each other's.

They paused, turned, and picked up the silver rings. Reciting the next part of the Oath, they placed the rings on each other's ring finger.

"With this object

The symbol of our Bond

Is seen"

Meanwhile, Faye placed a little wine in each chalice, and then handed them to the two. As soon as Beary and Jewel had the cups held in their paws, she spoke. "As with these chalices, you are separate." She then wrapped the red ribbon around the silver cups and tied it in a knot. "With the tying of this knot, you are one. Once you drink the wine, you will be Bonded for life."

The cubs looked at each other nervously for a moment before lifting the chalices to their lips and slowly drinking the wine. Both nearly spit out the foul liquid, not expecting the bitter taste, but they managed to swallow it down. Together as one, they recited the final part of the Oath.

"Now we two

Are one

One life

One heart

One love

One soul

The Bond

Is now complete

I am yours

And you are mine

Our hearts will beat together

Forevermore"

As soon as they finished, the silver chalices and ribbon was pulled away and set back on the altar. They clasped each other's paws once more and stared into the other's eyes. Neither spoke as the sun disappeared behind the mountains.

"The Ceremony is complete. Two have become one for eternity, in the spiritual sense and the physical sense. Nothing can divide you apart in this life or the next." Faye smiled as she leaned over and blew out the candle. Her eyes twinkled as the Bonded kissed each other deeply. She turned and picked up her briefcase from beside the altar. "Now, I need both of you to sign these papers to make it official."

Dex started laughing. "Nothing like paperwork to kill the mood."

Roxi smacked him upside the head.

Both newlyweds looked at her, grinning broadly, once they finished their kiss. A few minutes later, the papers were signed and placed back in the briefcase. As soon as that was done, Lei and Derek finally spoke.

"Congratulations," Lei whispered, pulling the pair of them into her arms. "Mr. and Mrs. Beary Taylor."

Derek chuckled and put his video camera—that he borrowed from his younger sister to record the Ceremony as proof it was done—away. "It 'as a nice 'ing to it," he grinned.

Beary and Jewel gave a small laugh and smiled at the two adults, their guardians and protectors.

Dex and Roxi took turns giving the pair of them hugs and welcoming Jewel to the family and telling Beary to not be a Doofus.

Faye pulled her digital camera out of the briefcase and grinned. "Group photo. You know, for the memory."

The newlyweds stood in front of the two older bears, holding paws; Derek placed a paw on Beary's shoulder while Lei did the same with Jewel—their free paws were clasped behind the youngens' backs. Dex and Roxi pushed the adults over slightly and took their places behind Beary while Lei and Derek stood behind Jewel, keeping their paws on each of the cub's shoulders. Izzy hung down from a low branch. All seven smiled brightly as the flash went off.

"I'll get the prints to you as soon as I can," the she-panda said. "However, it is time for me to be heading back down."

"Sure you won't stay for cake?" Jewel asked, a bit upset.

"It's too dangerous to go down the mountain by yourself at night," Lei warned. "You can stay with us for the night."

"Hm… I supposed you're right. Let's get this cleaned up, then we can head on back to the cabin, shall we?" Faye asked.

Everyone pitched in with the cleanup, carefully wrapping up the items and placing them in the backpack the she-panda had brought. Derek and Beary led the way down the hill, carrying the altar/table. The three females followed, Faye and Lei helping Jewel keep her balance on the downward trek. Roxi and Dex trailed behind them, holding little Izzy as she fell asleep in their arms.

As soon as they reached the cabin and got everything fixed up, Jewel and Roxi sat on one of the couches—Jewel purposefully avoided the one that she had been raped upon—waiting as the dinner was brought out. Beary and Dex helped the adults with getting the food out and on the counter. There were mashed potatoes, gravy, and something with elk meat in it. The drinks consisted of honey, milk, and juice, all brought courtesy of Faye. However, the highlight of the meal would have to be the two-layered strawberry cake with white butter cream and red frosting flowers.

They ate their meal, laughing and sharing a couple happy stories, the adults getting drunk on the honey while Dex and Roxi chuckled, watching them. The two pairs of newlyweds cut the cake and served it to their much older friends. When they finished handing out the dessert, Beary and Jewel walked outside and sat upon the grass, eating their pieces. They didn't talk as they silently finished their cake, sharing a couple crumbs with each other and laughing; once done, the plates were placed on the ground beside them.

They stood, Beary holding Jewel in his arms as he slowly danced with her out under the stars, using the moon as their source of light. Dancing was a little difficult with her large belly keeping them apart, but they finally figured it out as Beary held his wife from behind. Jewel had her head turned so her face was flat against his chest, the top of her head pressed up against his chin. Beary's arms were around her waist, his paws resting on her belly with Jewel's paws atop his.

"Everything's changed, hasn't it?" Jewel asked softly.

Beary thought for a moment, choosing his answer carefully. "For the better, I think. Nothing can tear us apart now…"

"But… what if-"

"Shh… No more "what if"… All it does is make you worry about what might be. Whatever happens will happen. There's nothing we can do to change it. Yes, we control our own fates, but there are some things that cannot be controlled." He sighed. "No more "what if"… At least for tonight. Tonight is just you and me, Gem…" He softly sighed and began to hum a melody before singing. It was a song he had heard long ago on the radio, but now he added some of his own words.

Jewel, you are to me,
all that a woman should be
And I dedicate my life to you always

Jewel picked up the song, also adding her own lyrics.

The love like yours is grand
It must have been sent from up above
And I know you'll stay this way, for always

They both thought as one as their voices joined and they sung the same lyrics in perfect harmony.

And we both know, that our love will grow
And forever it will be you and me, hey
Ooh, your life is sun chasing all the rain away
When you come around you bring brighter days
You're the perfect one for me and you forever we'll be
And I will love you so for always

Beary picked up the tune.

Come with me my sweet
Let's raise our family
And they will bring us joy, for always

Jewel went on.

Oh boy, I love your soul
I can't find enough ways to let you know
But you can be sure of course, for always

They once again fell into harmony.

And we both know, that our love will grow
And forever it will be you and me, hey
Ooh, your life is sun chasing all the rain away
When you come around you bring brighter day
You're the perfect one for me and you forever we'll be
And I will love you so for always

Hey, ooh you're like the sun chasing all of the rain away
When you come around you bring brighter days
You're the perfect one for me and you forever we'll be
And I will love you so for always
Ooh, I will love you so for always, ooh

They fell into silence once more, listening to the loud laughter from inside the cabin. They silently hummed the tune as they danced out among the stars.

For the first time in a long time, everything felt right. Everything felt safe and secure.

Nothing could ruin this moment for them…

Of course, if they only knew what Thrasher was plotting down at the base, they would think otherwise.

He was coming for them in just a few days. The cubs had been born at the base, and it was time for Beary to come back and start breeding again.

Soon, very soon.