"That's all your stuff?"
"Yes. I packed all of it before the wedding like you asked me."
She was wearing her normal jacket and boots, with scarf to boot. The wedding dress lay in the castle vault beside her mother's.
"Great. The Tornado's ready, let's go honey."
"Honey," Sally echoed and laughed. They were married. They were actually married. Everything would change except their love.
Tails had his pilot's goggles on as he sat in the cockpit. Sonic heaved the remaining luggage into the second seat.
"Where will we sit?" she asked. He grinned, the same wicked, mischievous grin she hated and adored.
"Not sit. Stand. On the wings."
Her initial protest to this dangerous stunt so soon after their marriage was dampened by, "Just hold on to me if you're scared."
"Gas, check. Oil, check. Ready for liftoff. Don't fall off, you two."
Sally shut her eyes at first, welding her body against her husband's while the biplane took off. He held her and stroked her hair, warm against his face. As the Tornado settled into a level cruise, she relaxed against him and opened her eyes.
"Beautiful, isn't it, my love?"
"Hey, none of that soap opera talk from you. 'Honey' is just fine."
"I think you're prettier than it, honey."
The sky was painted reddish gold, inlaid with strokes of orange from the fiery orb that crept beneath the horizon. With the fresh breeze all around her, Sally thought she was flying with her husband to the shimmering gates of heaven.
"Will it be wonderful when we get there?" she asked.
"Wonderful is too weak a word."
It was. The small island they dove toward was leafy and wild, watered by many brooks, perfumed with innumerable flowers and inhabited only by songbirds. A new song began as the Tornado taxied to a halt, in a clearing that was dominated by a large hut. Sally was helped down while Tails unloaded their luggage.
"I hope you have enjoyed the flight to Paradise. Please join me again on the return flight to the Great Forest, one week from now," Tails smirked. When the Tornado had faded into the clouds, Sally turned to her new husband.
"How did I know about this place?" he said, "Tails and I were joyriding the Tornado a few months ago. I thought it would be neat if I could show you the place. So I built the hut, all by myself, to prepare for this day."
"You chose well. It's… perfect," she said, gazing with wonder at trees she had never seen before. The scent of the flowers was also foreign, and exquisite.
"There are so many things I have to show you here, Sally."
"When do we start?"
"Tonight."
***END***
Author's Note:
Thus concludes the first part of the sequel. Yes, it is short, but since the tone of the second part will be very different in comparison to this one, I had to separate them. To those of you who yawned throughout this, fear not: the second part of this sequel will contain more action and adventure than you could shake a Swatbot at. Until then, please tell me what you thought about this. I appreciate any comment you have to offer. Until the second part is posted…
-LazerTH