November 20th arrived. It was frigid in the courtyard. The vast crowd was seated, facing away from the castle doors. Blue and white was the colour theme of the wedding, all the ribbons and balloon archways were thus. Unsettled in his custom made tuxedo, Sonic sat in the front row. Tails was beside him, similarly attired and also squirming. Both had forsaken their 'soap' shoes for more appropriate black boots. The boots would never be worn again, until, Sonic had suggested, Tails was married.

            "I'll never get married," Tails insisted.

            "That's what I said when I was your age."

Behind them was the buzzing crowd, almost all of it Freedom Fighters. Standing at the podium was the priest, a wise old owl who was also a personal friend to the King. The live musical band imported from the F.F. city, which had the experience of one hundred weddings, waited for the signal from the priest.

"Why is Sally taking so long?" Tails wondered. Sonic said nothing, while his mind bubbled with thoughts of the past, present and future. The warm years were his early childhood, the bliss of being innocent. Experience had paid him a call when Robotnik took action. The heat of battle and the cold of bitterness were constant, mixed with the darkness of fear and loneliness. How very few had been the happy moments. He had tried to make Sally happy and she had tried the same. Always, he had kept his sense of humour. Even now, as the band began to play 'Here comes the bride', he imagined Sally tripping over her wedding dress. Tails was tugging at his arm.

"Get up! She's here!"

He left his seat and turned.

"Holy Goddess."

Destiny had opened the heavens and shone her sacred rays upon Sally. Sonic's mind was a blank slate as he gaped in astonishment at her.

A bouquet of white flowers she held in her pearl white gloves. Her face was wreathed with angelic beauty, glowing with love. A diadem rested upon her hair, glittering as if with divine light. Her silken wedding dress fluttered around her feet, which wore perfect white sandals. When her eyes met those of Sonic, a love flowed between them that promised never to die.

"All be seated," said the priest. He gazed upon the wedding couple: so happy, so in love. The King and Queen, resplendent in their finest clothing, stood beside their daughter. Sonic's parents were beaming from their seats. Someday, the priest thought, their robotic shells would be removed, to enjoy their grandchildren.

"It is significant," the owl boomed, "that this is the first wedding since the end of the War. This wedding is truly symbolic that further generations will live in mutual friendship and love for each other…"

While the priest spoke, Sally took time to notice her husband to be. His green hair had been smoothed out on his head, it looked so strange when it wasn't spiky and all over the place. He didn't look at ease in the stiff tuxedo, but one glance from his eyes was enough to reassure her. She gave him a small smile, almost blushing. She thought she looked silly in the wedding outfit, but Mina and Bunnie had gushed praises. It would soon be over, Sally thought. Soon.

"Who gives this squirrel to this hedgehog?"

King Maximillian stepped forward. The priest motioned him to place Sally's paw into Sonic's: the traditional handing-over of the bride. Maximillian looked Sonic in the eye as he gave his daughter away. Both sadness and weariness marked the king's face.

"I hope you appreciate what I have just done."

"Maybe someday I will, your majesty."

Maximillian resumed his place beside his wife, who took his arm and patted it. The owl cleared his throat noisily.

"Now, Sonic, repeat after me."

The wedding vows, Sally thought. She gave him her most encouraging smile as he said them. She knew every word to be true. How many times had he taken care of her in the past, when she was sick or hurt? How many times had he stayed with her, when she was afraid or lonely? Those things would never change, she thought, as she repeated her wedding vows to him.

"The rings?"

Tails handed them over. Sonic slipped the large diamond onto Sally's left hand with the words, "I give you this ring, Sally Acorn, as a sign of our marriage."

She placed a golden band on his left hand and spoke her words.

"This couple has declared their lifelong love and dedication to each other. If there be anyone present who has reason to object to this marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace."

Sonic found himself holding his breath. His grip on Sally's paw strengthened.

"Then, by the power vested in me…"

This is it, Sonic thought, the beginning of forever.

At last, Sally thought, nothing can separate us.

"…I now pronounce you husband and wife."

As though nature had heard these words, a spontaneous chorus of birdsong began among the trees. The joyous chirping was joined by the live band, which struck up the exultant melody as Sonic took his wife into his arms and kissed her. The massive crowd stood as one and began to cheer, roaring with delight and good will. The newlyweds walked down the aisle, toward the castle, where the reception banquet awaited. The rice throwing began. Thousands of white grains showered them, getting into their hair and clothing. Laughter joined the cheering, even Sonic and Sally laughed. What joy! This was a day to be remembered.