AN: Hey guys, I feel like I'm still super slow on the updates, but hopefully you aren't too upset about that. The school year is coming to a close, and once that happens I'll be able to update more frequently. Thank you to the three people who left a review on my last chapter. That appreciation goes to Kimberly Rosivel Lopez, risingzero1984, and aliciathewolf45! Like I said before, this story is going to have quite a lot of chapters, so I hope y'all are ready for the long haul. Enjoy!
•~•
Today was the day. She never wanted it to sound bad, but Sally was absolutely terrified of what was to become of her life. Sure, she loved Sonic, and she knew this commitment would be beneficial to her pack, but she had always struggled with doubts and second thoughts. Sally had never been one to commit to anything; she had always been a bit of a free spirit and never wanted to be tied down to anything. And she absolutely hated to upset or disappoint people in her life, which brought another thought—what if she disappointed Sonic?
The brown chipmunk shook her head, coming out of her dark void of thoughts and returned to her current location, the dressing room. She couldn't keep thinking so negatively like this, what if it all turned out fine? "Are you okay?" another voice broke through, breaking her inner turmoil. Sally glanced at the young makeup artist finishing the final touches to her makeup.
"Oh," she smiled sheepishly, realizing her face must have been contorting into all sorts of emotions. "I'm fine," she lied with a smile.
The young makeup artist smiled back at her, before walking away to grab a mirror. "Here," she spoke, handing her a hand mirror. "How does it look?"
Sally took hold of the mirror, glancing at her reflection. "Wow…" She looked absolutely flawless. In fact, Sally had never seen herself look so beautiful. She had always been pretty confident with her appearance, but now she looked quite feminine, but still held a lot of her old traits that were now just enhanced by the makeup. Sally lowered the mirror to look at her artist. "Thank you so much. I look beautiful."
"No problem," she waved. "Good luck with the wedding and congrats!" she smiled before exiting the room.
Sally stood up from sitting. "Thank you." With that, she walked over to a platform with a standing mirror. Some of the other female werewolves helped tend Sally as stood in front of her standing length mirror, staring back at her reflection, feeling overwhelmed with emotions. She watched as they smoothed out any wrinkles. Then it finally dawned on her, she couldn't believe how beautiful she looked, especially since she wasn't used to being in a dress or even dolled up with makeup. Despite all that, she still looked herself, which was nice.
One of the girls in the room finished the last stage by putting on her veil. As she took one final long glance at her appearance it began to really sink in. She was going to be married to Sonic for the rest of her life. They had only been together for a couple of months, and she absolutely loved him, but would she truly love him forever as planned? The doubts were starting to make her second guess herself again.
Coming out of her daunting thoughts, Sally smiled at the girls assisting her as they waited for a comment from her. "Thank you for helping me get ready girls, but you do you guys mind if you give me a minute to myself?"
The girls bowed their heads and left the room, giving Sally some much-needed privacy. Once alone, Sally paced inside the room slowly, trying to calm her nerves until a sudden knock drew her attention away. She groaned, wishing whoever it was on the other side would leave her alone. She feigned an upbeat tone. "Who is it?" she called out.
"It's Caleb," she heard muffled on the other side of the door. "You decent?"
Her eyes widened with interest. What could he possibly want at this moment? "Oh, yes, you can come in," she replied. With that said, the door cracked open and the dingo stepped inside the room looking quite suave in his black tux. But as his eyes looked in her direction, he grew tongue-tied by her appearance. She looked absolutely divine and mature in her wedding gown. It was definitely a little foreign for him to see Sally in such a way since she had always been quite the tomboy growing up. With his prolonged silence, Sally titled her head by his silence. "Um, do you need something, Cal," she questioned a bit uncomfortably.
Caleb rubbed the skin between his eyes, cringing a bit from his apparent gawking. "Shit…sorry about that, I-I just never seen you in a dress before."
She giggled lightly by his comment. "I mean, I've never seen you in a tux before either," she countered. "You clean up well, but I expected to see you in your usual plaid shirts, a pair of dark wash jeans, and combat boots," she giggled.
"Heh, you know me well, but even if I was allowed to dress however I wanted, I still would have cleaned myself up for you," he smiled. Sally looked touched by the comment and returned a weak smile. "Anyway, I actually came here to give ya something," he said rummaging around in his coat jacket pocket.
Sally clasped her hands together as she watched him fumble around inside his jacket for the gift. "Oh, you didn't have to get me anything," she smiled reluctantly.
"Well, I wanted to anyway. It's your special day after all!" Finally finding the item, he revealed a robin egg colored, rectangular, box. Opening it up, inside was a necklace on a silver chain, with a silver half moon and blue oval stone.
Sally placed a hand over her mouth, honored by the thoughtful and sentimental piece. "Oh, Caleb…It's beautiful!" she exclaimed.
"Yeah, I picked out your birthstone and everything. The stone symbolizes healing and courage, and after everything you've done for our pack, I'd say that's just about right," he grinned with a chuckle.
"I don't know what else to say, but thank you," she replied softly.
Caleb took the necklace out of the box and walked behind her, moving her hair to the side to place the piece on. "You don't have to say much, and I know things have been moving pretty fast around here, but I want to officially re-welcome you back into our pack. I feel confident that you and Sonic will lead us well," he said, finishing securing the necklace.
Sally turned around to face him and leaned in giving him a soft peck on the cheek. "I promise not to run away from my duty this time. Sonic and I will protect this pack with our lives."
Caleb smiled back; feeling his strained relationship with her was truly starting to mend. He stared back into her sky blue eyes, sharing a moment with her. Realizing their gaze was lasting a little longer than he was comfortable with, Caleb stepped back. "Yikes, hey now, we've already wasted time in here being sappy, you've got a wedding to attend!"
Sally glanced at the clock on the wall to her left, noticing they were now tardy. "Crap, you're right!" She reached out and grabbed his hand, dragging him out of the changing room. "Let's go!"
•~•
Outside, all the guests sat in their assigned seating as they waited for the wedding to begin. In the back row, Shadow, Rosy, Silver, Blaze, and Faith shifted in their seats as time ticked past the scheduled event. At the front at the makeshift altar, Sonic tugged at the collar of his suit, growing antsy. Mary, playing the officiator of the ceremony, calmly patted him on the shoulder reassuringly after seeing his anxiety flourish. "Don't be so fidgety, Sonic."
He shot her an apologetically sheepish grin. "Sorry about that, I was just wondering what was taking Sal so long…"
"I'm sure she's just shaking out last minute nerves," Mary opined.
He tucked his arms behind his back, straightened his posterior, and swallowed the lump forming in his throat. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
Meanwhile, in the back row, Shadow looked at his wristwatch, also growing concern for the bride's whereabouts. "Did Sally get cold feet and skip town again? What could possibly be taking the girl so long?" Shadow mumbled impatiently under his breath.
Rosy reached out and rested a hand on his knee, trying to ease his boredom and frustration. "I'm sure everything is fine, just give it a few more minutes."
Shadow crossed his arms over his chest, sinking into his seat. "I'll be rather peeved to find out all these decorations go to waste if she ends up jumping ship. I spent a great deal of thought and time into making sure everything was perfect."
Rosy laughed lightly at him. "I'm sure Sally won't let you down, Shadow. In fact, I'm positive she is very appreciative of all the hard work and planning you put into it for her."
Shadow stuck his nose up in the air arrogantly. "I'm an artist and I have my visions, but I refuse to let them go to waste."
Right on cue, faint piano music began to play and everyone turned in their seats to look behind them. Standing at the end of the aisle was Sally in the flesh, accompanied by Caleb, ready to start the ceremony. The group of guests all stood in unison in respect for the bride, and Sally linked arms with Caleb before gulping nervously. Having all eyes on her was quite intimidating, especially since she never enjoyed having the limelight. Sensing her nerves, Caleb discreetly leaned his head in towards her ear. "Relax, you've got this," he whispered.
At the other end of the aisle, Sonic stared at his future bride to be, in absolute awe. She looked stunning and elegant in her wedding gown. He blinked a few times, completely taken aback by her beauty. Sonic had always found Sally to be pretty, but seeing her in a dress and makeup for the first time really took him aback. Caleb escorted Sally down the aisle as people smiled at the two gliding past them. Blaze linked arms with Silver, feeling herself grow excited for her own special day. "My goodness, she looks angelic," the feline whispered. "I can't wait to get married."
Silver smiled softly at Blaze. "I can't wait either."
It felt like a long walk, but in reality, it was only a short one. Once they finished their journey down the aisle, Caleb unlinked arms with Sally and stood off to the side by Sonic as best man.
Mary looked out to the crowd now that Sonic and Sally were reunited together and waited for the music to fade out. Once the music stopped, Mary began the service by opening her book. "You may be seated," she instructed. With her command, the entire crowd sat down in their seats.
Sonic stared at Sally, causing her to blush slightly by his admiring expression. "You look beautiful," he whispered quietly.
"Thanks, you look quite handsome yourself," she replied back softly. He reached out and took her hands in his to begin the ceremony.
Once having the room's attention, Mary flipped a page. "We gather together as a community seeking peace, inspired by the union of this couple before you. There was a time when werewolves saw themselves not as cursed but as blessed with a connection to our most pure selves. And tonight, we honor that blessing with the long-awaited unification of these two bloodlines." Mary lowered her book and set it on a pedestal, pulled out some ivy from her robe, and began to wrap it around both Sonic and Sally's wrists so they were linked as they held hands. "In doing so, we chose to embrace Sonic's vampire nature. With this union, Sonic will share his unique gifts with his pack." Mary cleared her throat, "And now, we will hear their vows. Sonic, you begin," she instructed.
With their wrist still bound together, Sonic gave her hands a gentle squeeze before starting. "I pledge to honor and defend you and yours above all others," he stated proudly.
Sally returned his gentle squeeze before going herself. "And to share blessings and burdens. I'll be your advocate, your champion…"
"—I'll be your comfort, your sanctuary," he continued, "And for as long as we both shall live…"
"…I'll be your family," she added.
"I'll be your family," he repeated with a sincere heartfelt smile.
Mary looked pleased with their recited vows. "You two have endured all the traditional werewolf rituals and trials." Mary lifted Sally's veil, tucking the excess over the top of her head. "There's only one left remaining," she said, smiling knowingly at the blue hedgehog. "Sonic, you may now kiss your bride."
Sonic leaned in, closed his eyes, and gave her a kiss. Sally closed her eyes for the kiss, giving him a romantic smooch in return. When the two pulled away Sally looked at Sonic's viridescent eyes, seeing them flash bright yellow for a moment and showing his hybrid side kick in. Sonic looked surprised when he saw Sally's eyes suddenly show a similar effect. Even though she was still just a normal werewolf, she would now gain his vampire abilities without ever having to commit to becoming a full-fledged hybrid. Sally would now be able to control when she turned, have super speed in her mortal form, and would also be immortal.
The married couple looked out to the crowd of werewolves and realized they were having similar reactions. All of the pack looked at each other as their eyes flashed yellow, confirming the ritual had affected them as well. All of Sonic's unique gifts were now shared amongst the pack. In the back rows, Shadow, Rosy, Blaze, and Silver smiled happily as they watched the guests around them react in joy to gaining Sonic's abilities. "It really worked," Rosy mumbled in delight.
"It's a new beginning for this pack and they will be a force to be reckoned with," Shadow noted.
With that, Mary cut the vine binding their wrists and the two were allowed to walk down the aisle together. Their guests cheered on either side of them, tossing rice as they left hand in hand.
•~•
At the wedding reception, guests swayed on the dance floor, while others sat at tables eating food or talking to other guests. In the middle of the dance floor, the bride and groom shared their first dance as they swayed to a slower melody. Sally was completely engrossed in the moment, resting her head on Sonic's shoulder with her eyes closed as they swayed together.
One of the couples that danced along with the newlyweds but in the background were Silver and Blaze. The two did a simple waltz together lost in their own thoughts. After experiencing an emotional and beautiful wedding, Blaze had begun to think more on her own happily ever after. Mulling over a concern that had been bugging her for a while, Blaze lifted her head away from Silver's shoulder to look him in the eye. "…Silver?"
"Hm?" he hummed, coming out of his own thoughts and giving her his full attention.
"I was wondering something…and please don't feel like you need to sugar coat it for me."
He kept her eye contact, curious to know her question. "Fair enough, what are you wondering?"
She gulped nervously and her ears fell, solemnly. "It seems very apparent that with me remaining mortal, there will come a time when we will have to part ways. As in, I won't be around forever," she clarified. "I was just wondering if you'd truly stay by my side and love me even when I become an old hag…"
Silver looked completely taken aback by her grim thought. "Blaze, you think I'd be that cruel to abandon you because you've grown old?"
Blaze glanced away, feeling uncertain as they continued their slow dance. "You may find me to be a burden and I know there's no way you'll be attracted to me at that point…Just look at Shadow and Amy for instance, they will always stay young and feel youthful because of their immortality. Even Sonic and Sally will have similar outcomes now."
"The fact that you're even questioning me is insulting, but I am here to tell you that I will never leave your side, Blaze."
"You're just saying that now…" Her head sagged, still not completely on board with his claim. "Silver, don't-"
He reached out and cupped the side of her face with one hand. "Look at me, Blaze," he ordered softly. "I love you and I entered this relationship knowing what I was getting myself into. I will never force or suggest for you to become like me. I asked you to marry me because I believe in till death do us part."
Blaze felt tears form in her eyes from his sincerity. "You're too good for me, you know that?" she sniffed, trying to hold back tears.
"You're wrong, you're the one who is too good. I'm lucky to even have a girl like you in my life," he corrected with a smile.
Blaze wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned in and kissed him. Silver closed his eyes as his lips met hers and the two shared a romantic smooch.
Meanwhile, Shadow and Rosy watched the newlyweds from one of the nearby tables as they sat together. "I'm pleased everything went down accordingly," Rosy hummed while leaning her chin in the palm of her right hand.
"Did you expect it not to go well?" he probed, raising a brow.
"Well, it seems like nothing goes smoothly for us, so yes, I was expecting a turn of events. Not that I wanted it to happen," she quickly clarified.
"I see your point," Shadow noted before taking a glance at the stroller parked by her side. "How's the little one holding up?"
Rosy peeked into the stroller only to smile at Faith who was now completely knocked out and taking her afternoon nap. "She's asleep. Thank goodness she didn't act up during the ceremony. She was an absolute angel back there."
Shadow smiled proudly. "That's my girl."
•~•
Back with the newlyweds, Sally lifted her head from Sonic's shoulder to look him in the eye. "How are you feeling?" he asked softly.
"Great," she replied. "What about you?"
"Just as well," he answered with a grin.
"I want you to know that I'm glad I did this."
He shot her a baffled look. "Did what?"
"Married you," she responded with a giggle. "Ever since we've been together, you've never made me feel unworthy. You've always believed in me, found me to be beautiful even when I didn't put in the effort to get glammed up. I feel like you've made me a better person."
Sonic looked touched by her words. "Aw, Sal, you're gonna make me cry. What you just said—some of those same things apply to how you make me feel. You've never judged me for my past. You gave me the chance to get to know me for me. If anything, you've, made me a better person."
Sally moved her hands so they wrapped around his neck loosely and moved her face in closer towards him. "Oh, Sonic…" He closed his eyes closing the gap between them.
Sitting at another table, Caleb watched the two kiss and felt the sting of jealousy build up in him. This could have easily been his day with Sally, but he knew deep down that this marriage between she and Sonic was a better move for the pack. Seeing his mood damper, Andrew placed a hand on his shoulder to pull him out of his thoughts. "This was the right move, man."
"I know it was," he agreed. "This is a new beginning for our pack. I'm happy that we inherited Sonic's gifts, but I'm still processing my move to step down as alpha. I never thought there would be a day I'd see that happen."
"I get it, man, but Sonic's gonna do a good job." Andrew looked down at his hands, squeezing and relaxing his hands a few times. "But can you feel the power surging through your veins?"
Caleb nodded. "I felt it the moment Sonic and Sally walked back down the aisle. It's strange but comforting to know the strength we've gained."
"Our pack will be a strong force. No opposing pack will stand a chance against us," he grinned arrogantly.
"I'm not worried about opposing packs, but I'm more concerned about opposing forces," Caleb corrected. "With newfound power comes new enemies," he foreshadowed. "It'll only be a matter of time before something more sinister comes our way. We'll just have to hope we'll be prepared for it."