Here it is!!! Chapter THREE! This is the re-do of the third chapter that
you never read! Its better! And, I have some "thank yours" on my profile. I
didn't want to put them in the stories, cuz then you'd probably run away
from my story. ;_; don't run away! Well, anyway, they're there if you want
to see them. Here it is:
It was late in the evening, and Tikal was thinking of what her new life with Knuckles would be like. That's when it had occurred to her that she was marrying the guardian. Well, yeah, she knew, but wasn't that the reason she had kept her secret in the first place? Tikal shook her head doubtfully. The long grass that she was lying in tickled her face. Her eyes closed slowly, and soon she was asleep.
--"Hi, Knuckles!" A voice echoed in her head. Then she realized it was her's. Knuckles stood before her.
"Hi." His face was solemn. Tikal studied it.
"What's wrong?" They were standing in a foggy field. There weren't any stars twinkling. Tikal shivered. She watched as Knuckles' face went from forlorn to terrified. Tikal didn't react. His gaze was above her, and he started running. "Knuckles! Don't leave me!" Tikal was afraid to look behind her. She heard a swooping sound, and all of a sudden her feet wouldn't walk. She couldn't move. I giant bird came down and grabbed Tikal. She thought it was the end when she found herself up at the mantle in a church with Knuckles.
He was looking happy and his eyes were full of excitement as he gazed at her. "Knuckles," She whispered. The minister seemed as though he didn't hear her, which was a good thing.
Tikal looked around her. A line of her friends were behind her. She looked down at her feet. She was in a wedding dress. The wedding! She was here! She turned to the minister in question.
"Princess Tikal, do you take The Guardian, Knuckles, as your lawfully wedded husband and promise to take care of him through sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live?" Tikal snapped back into attention. She had been waiting to say this all her life.
"I do."
"And, Guardian, do you take Princess Tikal as your lawfully wedded wife, and promise to take care of her though sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do." Knuckles looked at Tikal with a smile.
"Now you may kiss the bride!" The minister said with enthusiasm. Knuckles came toward Tikal and they linked hands. Their lips were two inches away from pronouncing them husband and wife, when the large church doors crashed to the ground. The giant chandelier fell from the ceiling, making it dark and cold. Fog buried the pews, and rested at Tikal's feet. She looked at Knuckles. He was half-un-conscious on the floor.--
And Tikal awoke screaming. She sat up-right in her bed. She was sweating like crazy when she realized it had all been a bad dream. Cass came running into the room. "Tikal! What's wrong?!" Tikal was breathing heavily. Cass came to her bed- side. "Are you alright? You're sweating like crazy!" "I-I," She paused. "I'm fine. Just a bad dream." She shook it off and got out of bed. "Are you sure you're alright? Do you need to talk about it?" Cass asked, following her. "I'm okay, really. How did I get into my bed? All I remember is lying down in the field last night." "You fell asleep out there, and Knuckles found you. He brought you in and I stayed over night to make sure you were okay." "Oh. Knuckles." She said as if in her own world. "How is he?" Cass rolled her eyes un-comfortably.
"Um, good. He wants to see you today. That is, if you're feeling alright." Cass giggled teasingly. Because of her dream, Tikal was afraid of facing Knuckles again. She decided not to tell anyone the dream. Just a dream, right? Nothing's going REALLY happen, right?
At the park.
Tikal walked around nervously, waiting for Knuckles. She was meeting with him so they could possibly plan for the wedding, and at the same time enjoy each other's company. Tikal saw Knuckles walk onto the grass.
"Knuckles!" She screamed. He was surprise to hear the blast of his fiancée's voice so early in the morning. Tikal ran up to him and threw her arms around his neck. "Knuckles," She buried her face in his chest.
"Hey, Tikal, it was just yesterday we saw each other, did you really miss me that much?" Knuckles commented, holding her around the waist. She looked up at him. He suddenly saw the sorrowed look on her face. He led her to a bench. "Are you alright, dear?" He asked.
"Well, Knuckles," She started, but then remembered that she had promised herself not to tell anyone about her dream. "Have you been, you know, sleeping well?" She asked. Knuckles looked perplexed.
"Um, yeah."
"Okay, just wondering."
"Is everything REALLY alright?" He asked again.
"Um, I don't know, I feel like something is going to happen. Something bad, Knuckles." Tikal looked at Knuckles. He was looking down at the ground, trying to figure out what she could be talking about.
"What do you mean 'something bad'? Tikal, we're getting married. What could go wrong?" They stared at each other. Tikal wasn't even sure. She decided now to forget about the whole dream and stop being worried all the time.
"You're right." She said, obviously having a change in mood. "Let's go do something, Knuckles." She smiled at him and he smiled back.
"That's the Tikal I wanna see." He commented.
Little did both of them know that someone was watching them from a tree.
"That Tikal has turned Knuckles into a softy. At least that how it looks. I have to get her." The person mumbled.
At the diner.
"So, you guys are sure you're going to have the wedding held on August 1st?!" Both Tikal and Knuckles looked at Sonic, who seemed as if he was trying to change their minds.
"What's the problem with August 1st?" Knuckles said, looking at Tikal out of the corner of his eye.
"Uh, nothing, it's just today is June 15th. August 1st is so close. You've got planning to do!"
"We've planned everything, Sonic. We just need to send out invitations." Tikal corrected, shaking her head.
"Oh, well then you guys are off well." Sonic said, relaxing. There was a long pause then a bullet blasted through the window, smashing it. Knuckles pulled him and herself out of the way just in time. In stead of hitting them, it hit a man across the room, killing him.
"OH MY GOD!!" Tikal screamed, running over to him. Of course, there was already a crowd circled around him. Knuckles followed, and so did Sonic.
"Hey, isn't that the guy who works at the bank?" Someone asked.
"Yeah! It is. I think his name was Fred." Someone else answered. Soon policemen were in the diner, investigating. Everyone was asked for their numbers and addresses, and was asked to leave.
"Oh, Sir, I have something that might help you!" Tikal managed to get one police's attention.
"Yes?" He said turning around. Knuckles was standing behind Tikal when he noticed that they were the only ones in the diner except for the owner and the FBI. "Oh, Princess Tikal!" The echidna policeman finally realized. "What were you saying?"
"My fiancée and I were sitting over there in that booth when the bullet came in. It was aimed for me, but luckily The Guardian, my fiancée, moved me."
"I see. Thank you, Princess. Your information is vital."
"Your welcome." Tikal said, pulling on Knuckles to follow her out. "Knuckles," Tikal started, holding his hands. "I'm so thankful for you. Thank you for getting me out of the way." She whispered, then she kissed him, and he held her.
'Who would want to kill her?' Knuckles thought. Tikal felt Knuckles' heart beating. She felt as if she was one with him. Their hearts were beating in unison, and they both felt it.
"That was weird." Tikal said, pulling away.
"I guess." Knuckles mumbled. All of a sudden Tikal was on the ground holding her leg. She was crying and screaming at the same time. "TIKAL! What's wrong?!" Knuckles was immediately at Tikal's side, trying to pry her and off her leg.
"I think-I think I got shot;" Tikal managed to say before she passed out.
"POLICE!" Knuckles yelled, not wanting to leave her side. Good thing they were somewhat outside the diner or no one would have been there. Policemen spilled out of the diner to come to Tikal's aid.
"It's the PRINCESS!" One of them exclaimed.
"What happened, son?" The investigator asked. He signaled for some of the officers to leave, but some of them were too concerned about their Princess.
"We were standing here and someone shot her leg. It must have been too much for her, because she passed out." Knuckles answered.
"And how are you related to the Princess? We may have to ask you to leave." The investigator warned.
"I am her fiancée. I am also the Guardian. I think I should be able to stay." Knuckles said, getting defensive.
"Oh, pardon, I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were,"
"Yes, I know, a lot of people don't. Now WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT TIKAL?!" Knuckles said, holding her closer to himself.
"Guardian, Sir, you have to calm down, everything will be alright. An ambulance is on the way." Another officer said.
Finally the ambulance came, and the volunteers tried to get Tikal onto the stretcher.
"Everything is alright, she's only hurt, and nothing is going to happen to her." A kind Doctor echidna said to him. He looked at the woman and loosened his gripe on Tikal. As they put her into the stretcher, Tikal mumbled Knuckles' name and passed out again.
"It seems like she's never gotten shot in her life." An on-looker mentioned. Unfortunately, Knuckles heard him and came running over. He held the Echidna from the shirt collar and looked at him through hurt eyes.
"YOU HAVEN'T, EITHER, A**HOLE!" Knuckles dropped the guy and ran off.
At Cass's House.
"Knuckles, she's okay! There's nothing to worry about! Really!" Cass patted him on the back lightly as he stared into no-where off her porch. "Here-have a drink." She handed him a glass of wine and he simply held it and didn't drink it. "Knuckles-she got shot in the leg. She's going to live."
"I know-but it's just-will she be better for the wedding?"
"Yes. All they have to do is remove the bullet, and give her stitches. I'm sure it didn't hit the bone."
"How are you so sure?!" He said, picking up his voice.
"Because! Even though Tikal may seem fragile and delicate, she's actually pretty tough. She's been trough a lot, you know!" After that, things got quiet.
"You're right-I'm exaggerating it. She'll be okay." Knuckles confessed. He seemed to calm down and started drinking the wine.
A dreary Knuckles opened his door. He had been at Cass' house for comfort until 11:00 at night. She hadn't really helped, but being with one of Tikal's friends kind of helped. They played monopoly and scrabble, but that was about it. The rest of the time they were talking about the fun times they had had with Tikal.
Knuckles turned the light on to find Julie-Su Lying on the couch.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" He yelled at her, causing her to jump. She got up and walked over to him. Her calmness frustrated him.
"I'm just stopping by." She said in a sassy tone. "I heard your girlfriend died."
"She just got shot in the leg, she can't die from that!" He said, pushing Julie-Su away.
"But what if there was poison in that bullet?" Knuckles went pale. He hadn't thought of that.
"GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!" He yelled. She ran out, afraid of what he might do. He sat down and mourned. Knuckles promised himself that he would visit her in the morning.
August 30th, the day before the wedding.
"I'm so happy, Knuckles!" Tikal exclaimed. Her leg was better, and it turned out that there was no poison and the bullet didn't even hit her bone. "Tomorrow is the wedding!" She giggled playfully as she hugged and kissed him. Knuckles smiled. They were standing in the park, one of their favorite places to be together.
Again, a bullet missed Tikal and hit the tree next to her. Knuckles grabbed her close.
"This guy has really bad aim." Knuckles mumbled as he lifted Tikal off her feet and carried her to the palace. When they got there, Knuckles slammed the door and let Tikal down. Tikal sighed.
"Knuckles," She started. "I had this dream a while ago, and think it has something to do with this." Knuckles looked concerned. Tikal told him the dream, and he thought for a moment.
"Tikal, that's impossible."
"How are you so sure?"
"Because the wedding is going to be at the shrine of the Master Emerald. There aren't any doors, or pews."
"Yes, but the doors and the smoke and you passing out could mean anything! The wedding is obviously not safe!" Tikal knelt on the ground in sorrow. Knuckles followed and put his arm around her.
"Tikal, nothings going to happen. Trust me. I will protect us from anything that will happen." Knuckles gave her a smile, and kissed her lightly on the cheek.
The next day was the wedding. Tikal had her dress on and was posing in front of the mirror for herself when there was a knock at the dressing room door (they brought a trailer along to the shrine so that she could get ready).
"Who is it?" Tikal called through.
"You're future killer." The voice said. Before Tikal could do anything, the door burst open and standing there with a gun in her hand was Julie-Su. Julie-Su quietly closed the door.
"So it was you all along!" Tikal gasped, backing up into the wall.
"Yes, and I would have gotten you the when I hit your leg if it weren't for that pink hedgehog."
"Amy? Amy tried to save me?" Tikal murmured.
"Too bad you're not going to be able to thank her." Julie-Su said, getting the gun ready to shoot.
"No! Please don't kill me!" Tikal said, sliding down the wall. "What do you want from me?!" She screamed.
"Knuckles. Refuse to marry him, and it will grant you you're life." Tikal started to cry. "And you can't tell him about this, or you'll be dead before you could say 'I do'."
"No-not Knuckles. He means everything to me!" Tikal cried.
"Looks like we have something in common, Princess. Now make something up, and tell them there will be no wedding!"
"FINE!" Tikal screamed, sobbing. But Tikal wasn't ready to give up.
Tikal went out side in her normal clothes, holding her stomach. She faked a fall, and everyone came running to her.
"Tikal! What's wrong?!" Cass and Knuckles said at the same time.
"Knuckles," Tikal said weakly. She pulled him down to her mouth and whispered in his ear [does he even have ears?!]. "Knuckles! Julie-Su has been the one! She's going to kill me if I marry you. Pretend to go over to her to talk, and then take her to jail, or something!" Knuckles nodded and told Cass what they were doing. Cass nodded and Knuckles walked over to Julie-Su, looking as if he were going to kiss her. Julie-Su put her arms out to him, and he quickly put them behind her back.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" She yelled, struggling.
"Taking you to the police." He said calmly. As soon as Knuckles and Julie-Su were out of sight, Tikal got up and hugged Cass.
"Okay, girl, time to get you ready!" Cass exclaimed.
Now that Tikal knew nothing could happen to her as long as Julie-Su was gone, she felt much better. Once in her dress, her confidence was high.
"I'm actually getting married!" Tikal exclaimed while Cass was putting on her make up.
"And the party afterward will be so FUN!" Cass finished putting on Tikal's make up and started on her own face. Cass was in a bride's maid dress. It was blue silk with pink silk under it, so it looked a blue-ish pink. Tikal's dress was long and white [no kidding] and noble. It filled a lot of the tiny trailer's floor, and was hard to move in. Her vale was long and it had pearls lining it. Little flowers made of beads were sown into her dress. It was absolutely beautiful. Tikal took a minute and looked at her self in the mirror.
"I'm-I'm different." She said, staring at the woman in the mirror.
"A beautiful kind of different." Cass assured.
"I mean-I can't believe it's me. I can't believe I'm getting married. In the beginning of my relationship with Knuckles, I thought of everything as impossible. I AM the princess. Isn't that what was stopping me in the beginning?" Tikal put her fore head in her heads. "Why am I doing this?!" She cried.
"TIKAL!" Cass yelled. "I'm disappointed. The reason you're marrying him is because you love him. Before, I looked at you as a role-model because you didn't care what tradition said, or what other people said or thought. That SHOULD be the reason you marry someone. Love, not tradition. To think, YOU changed history. Once you marry Knuckles, people are going to say 'Princess Tikal was the first to marry a guardian.'. Besides the fact, you're marrying for love, and I'm proud-I'm proud to be your best friend." Cass sobbed for a minute then continued putting on her make up.
"Thank you, Cass. I needed that. I'm so happy you're my best friend." They hugged each other and Cass walked outside because the wedding was going to start. That's when Pachacamac, her father, came in.
"Tikal, it's time." Since Tikal and Knuckles' decision to marry, Pachacamac had been very stern with the both of them. He took her down the isle without a word.
Tikal basically thought through out the whole ceremony. She didn't even think Knuckles was listening. They looked at each other every once in a while, and when they did, they're hearts beat in unison. Tikal looked at the line of her friends behind her. Her bride's maids were Cass, Amy, and some of Tikal's cousins from other echidna villages. Knuckles' best man was Sonic, and the Ring Barrier was Tails. Then, Tikal heard the words she had been waiting for. "Do you, Guardian Knuckles, take Princess Tikal as your lawfully wedded wife, and promise to take care of her through sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live?" "I do." Knuckles beamed. "And, do you, Princess Tikal, take Guardian Knuckles as your lawfully wedded husband and promise to take care of him through sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live?" Tikal at first was about to say 'I do' but then she choked up. This was a decision she had to make for her self. She didn't know weather to listen to tradition, or love. In other words, her father and Knuckles. Knuckles' smile turned into a look of disappointment. Question was written all over his face. Tikal bit her lip. A tear slipped down her cheek. Her father's eyes were set on her, and she new what they were saying. Cass' face was frantic, as if saying 'what are you doing?!'. And, Knuckles. Knuckles eyes were full of pain at the moment. Tikal choked.
~~~*~||||||||wait and see||||||||~*~~~ ~~~|*|~~~|*|~~~|*|~~~|*|~~~|*|~~~
OKOK!! I KNOW it's a cliff hanger, but I did that on purpose!! When you review, first, tell me what you think about it, then, tell me weather or not you want them to get married. Last, give me reasoning. If you don't have a reason, ok, but give me one if you do. PLEASE!! If you follow the directions, it could depend on Tikal and Knuckles' future!!
Knuckles: yeah, so make it good!!
Tikal: --tradition, or love-- *still thinking*
Pachacamac: TRADITION!
Knuckles and Cass: LOVE!!
It was late in the evening, and Tikal was thinking of what her new life with Knuckles would be like. That's when it had occurred to her that she was marrying the guardian. Well, yeah, she knew, but wasn't that the reason she had kept her secret in the first place? Tikal shook her head doubtfully. The long grass that she was lying in tickled her face. Her eyes closed slowly, and soon she was asleep.
--"Hi, Knuckles!" A voice echoed in her head. Then she realized it was her's. Knuckles stood before her.
"Hi." His face was solemn. Tikal studied it.
"What's wrong?" They were standing in a foggy field. There weren't any stars twinkling. Tikal shivered. She watched as Knuckles' face went from forlorn to terrified. Tikal didn't react. His gaze was above her, and he started running. "Knuckles! Don't leave me!" Tikal was afraid to look behind her. She heard a swooping sound, and all of a sudden her feet wouldn't walk. She couldn't move. I giant bird came down and grabbed Tikal. She thought it was the end when she found herself up at the mantle in a church with Knuckles.
He was looking happy and his eyes were full of excitement as he gazed at her. "Knuckles," She whispered. The minister seemed as though he didn't hear her, which was a good thing.
Tikal looked around her. A line of her friends were behind her. She looked down at her feet. She was in a wedding dress. The wedding! She was here! She turned to the minister in question.
"Princess Tikal, do you take The Guardian, Knuckles, as your lawfully wedded husband and promise to take care of him through sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live?" Tikal snapped back into attention. She had been waiting to say this all her life.
"I do."
"And, Guardian, do you take Princess Tikal as your lawfully wedded wife, and promise to take care of her though sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do." Knuckles looked at Tikal with a smile.
"Now you may kiss the bride!" The minister said with enthusiasm. Knuckles came toward Tikal and they linked hands. Their lips were two inches away from pronouncing them husband and wife, when the large church doors crashed to the ground. The giant chandelier fell from the ceiling, making it dark and cold. Fog buried the pews, and rested at Tikal's feet. She looked at Knuckles. He was half-un-conscious on the floor.--
And Tikal awoke screaming. She sat up-right in her bed. She was sweating like crazy when she realized it had all been a bad dream. Cass came running into the room. "Tikal! What's wrong?!" Tikal was breathing heavily. Cass came to her bed- side. "Are you alright? You're sweating like crazy!" "I-I," She paused. "I'm fine. Just a bad dream." She shook it off and got out of bed. "Are you sure you're alright? Do you need to talk about it?" Cass asked, following her. "I'm okay, really. How did I get into my bed? All I remember is lying down in the field last night." "You fell asleep out there, and Knuckles found you. He brought you in and I stayed over night to make sure you were okay." "Oh. Knuckles." She said as if in her own world. "How is he?" Cass rolled her eyes un-comfortably.
"Um, good. He wants to see you today. That is, if you're feeling alright." Cass giggled teasingly. Because of her dream, Tikal was afraid of facing Knuckles again. She decided not to tell anyone the dream. Just a dream, right? Nothing's going REALLY happen, right?
At the park.
Tikal walked around nervously, waiting for Knuckles. She was meeting with him so they could possibly plan for the wedding, and at the same time enjoy each other's company. Tikal saw Knuckles walk onto the grass.
"Knuckles!" She screamed. He was surprise to hear the blast of his fiancée's voice so early in the morning. Tikal ran up to him and threw her arms around his neck. "Knuckles," She buried her face in his chest.
"Hey, Tikal, it was just yesterday we saw each other, did you really miss me that much?" Knuckles commented, holding her around the waist. She looked up at him. He suddenly saw the sorrowed look on her face. He led her to a bench. "Are you alright, dear?" He asked.
"Well, Knuckles," She started, but then remembered that she had promised herself not to tell anyone about her dream. "Have you been, you know, sleeping well?" She asked. Knuckles looked perplexed.
"Um, yeah."
"Okay, just wondering."
"Is everything REALLY alright?" He asked again.
"Um, I don't know, I feel like something is going to happen. Something bad, Knuckles." Tikal looked at Knuckles. He was looking down at the ground, trying to figure out what she could be talking about.
"What do you mean 'something bad'? Tikal, we're getting married. What could go wrong?" They stared at each other. Tikal wasn't even sure. She decided now to forget about the whole dream and stop being worried all the time.
"You're right." She said, obviously having a change in mood. "Let's go do something, Knuckles." She smiled at him and he smiled back.
"That's the Tikal I wanna see." He commented.
Little did both of them know that someone was watching them from a tree.
"That Tikal has turned Knuckles into a softy. At least that how it looks. I have to get her." The person mumbled.
At the diner.
"So, you guys are sure you're going to have the wedding held on August 1st?!" Both Tikal and Knuckles looked at Sonic, who seemed as if he was trying to change their minds.
"What's the problem with August 1st?" Knuckles said, looking at Tikal out of the corner of his eye.
"Uh, nothing, it's just today is June 15th. August 1st is so close. You've got planning to do!"
"We've planned everything, Sonic. We just need to send out invitations." Tikal corrected, shaking her head.
"Oh, well then you guys are off well." Sonic said, relaxing. There was a long pause then a bullet blasted through the window, smashing it. Knuckles pulled him and herself out of the way just in time. In stead of hitting them, it hit a man across the room, killing him.
"OH MY GOD!!" Tikal screamed, running over to him. Of course, there was already a crowd circled around him. Knuckles followed, and so did Sonic.
"Hey, isn't that the guy who works at the bank?" Someone asked.
"Yeah! It is. I think his name was Fred." Someone else answered. Soon policemen were in the diner, investigating. Everyone was asked for their numbers and addresses, and was asked to leave.
"Oh, Sir, I have something that might help you!" Tikal managed to get one police's attention.
"Yes?" He said turning around. Knuckles was standing behind Tikal when he noticed that they were the only ones in the diner except for the owner and the FBI. "Oh, Princess Tikal!" The echidna policeman finally realized. "What were you saying?"
"My fiancée and I were sitting over there in that booth when the bullet came in. It was aimed for me, but luckily The Guardian, my fiancée, moved me."
"I see. Thank you, Princess. Your information is vital."
"Your welcome." Tikal said, pulling on Knuckles to follow her out. "Knuckles," Tikal started, holding his hands. "I'm so thankful for you. Thank you for getting me out of the way." She whispered, then she kissed him, and he held her.
'Who would want to kill her?' Knuckles thought. Tikal felt Knuckles' heart beating. She felt as if she was one with him. Their hearts were beating in unison, and they both felt it.
"That was weird." Tikal said, pulling away.
"I guess." Knuckles mumbled. All of a sudden Tikal was on the ground holding her leg. She was crying and screaming at the same time. "TIKAL! What's wrong?!" Knuckles was immediately at Tikal's side, trying to pry her and off her leg.
"I think-I think I got shot;" Tikal managed to say before she passed out.
"POLICE!" Knuckles yelled, not wanting to leave her side. Good thing they were somewhat outside the diner or no one would have been there. Policemen spilled out of the diner to come to Tikal's aid.
"It's the PRINCESS!" One of them exclaimed.
"What happened, son?" The investigator asked. He signaled for some of the officers to leave, but some of them were too concerned about their Princess.
"We were standing here and someone shot her leg. It must have been too much for her, because she passed out." Knuckles answered.
"And how are you related to the Princess? We may have to ask you to leave." The investigator warned.
"I am her fiancée. I am also the Guardian. I think I should be able to stay." Knuckles said, getting defensive.
"Oh, pardon, I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were,"
"Yes, I know, a lot of people don't. Now WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT TIKAL?!" Knuckles said, holding her closer to himself.
"Guardian, Sir, you have to calm down, everything will be alright. An ambulance is on the way." Another officer said.
Finally the ambulance came, and the volunteers tried to get Tikal onto the stretcher.
"Everything is alright, she's only hurt, and nothing is going to happen to her." A kind Doctor echidna said to him. He looked at the woman and loosened his gripe on Tikal. As they put her into the stretcher, Tikal mumbled Knuckles' name and passed out again.
"It seems like she's never gotten shot in her life." An on-looker mentioned. Unfortunately, Knuckles heard him and came running over. He held the Echidna from the shirt collar and looked at him through hurt eyes.
"YOU HAVEN'T, EITHER, A**HOLE!" Knuckles dropped the guy and ran off.
At Cass's House.
"Knuckles, she's okay! There's nothing to worry about! Really!" Cass patted him on the back lightly as he stared into no-where off her porch. "Here-have a drink." She handed him a glass of wine and he simply held it and didn't drink it. "Knuckles-she got shot in the leg. She's going to live."
"I know-but it's just-will she be better for the wedding?"
"Yes. All they have to do is remove the bullet, and give her stitches. I'm sure it didn't hit the bone."
"How are you so sure?!" He said, picking up his voice.
"Because! Even though Tikal may seem fragile and delicate, she's actually pretty tough. She's been trough a lot, you know!" After that, things got quiet.
"You're right-I'm exaggerating it. She'll be okay." Knuckles confessed. He seemed to calm down and started drinking the wine.
A dreary Knuckles opened his door. He had been at Cass' house for comfort until 11:00 at night. She hadn't really helped, but being with one of Tikal's friends kind of helped. They played monopoly and scrabble, but that was about it. The rest of the time they were talking about the fun times they had had with Tikal.
Knuckles turned the light on to find Julie-Su Lying on the couch.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" He yelled at her, causing her to jump. She got up and walked over to him. Her calmness frustrated him.
"I'm just stopping by." She said in a sassy tone. "I heard your girlfriend died."
"She just got shot in the leg, she can't die from that!" He said, pushing Julie-Su away.
"But what if there was poison in that bullet?" Knuckles went pale. He hadn't thought of that.
"GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!" He yelled. She ran out, afraid of what he might do. He sat down and mourned. Knuckles promised himself that he would visit her in the morning.
August 30th, the day before the wedding.
"I'm so happy, Knuckles!" Tikal exclaimed. Her leg was better, and it turned out that there was no poison and the bullet didn't even hit her bone. "Tomorrow is the wedding!" She giggled playfully as she hugged and kissed him. Knuckles smiled. They were standing in the park, one of their favorite places to be together.
Again, a bullet missed Tikal and hit the tree next to her. Knuckles grabbed her close.
"This guy has really bad aim." Knuckles mumbled as he lifted Tikal off her feet and carried her to the palace. When they got there, Knuckles slammed the door and let Tikal down. Tikal sighed.
"Knuckles," She started. "I had this dream a while ago, and think it has something to do with this." Knuckles looked concerned. Tikal told him the dream, and he thought for a moment.
"Tikal, that's impossible."
"How are you so sure?"
"Because the wedding is going to be at the shrine of the Master Emerald. There aren't any doors, or pews."
"Yes, but the doors and the smoke and you passing out could mean anything! The wedding is obviously not safe!" Tikal knelt on the ground in sorrow. Knuckles followed and put his arm around her.
"Tikal, nothings going to happen. Trust me. I will protect us from anything that will happen." Knuckles gave her a smile, and kissed her lightly on the cheek.
The next day was the wedding. Tikal had her dress on and was posing in front of the mirror for herself when there was a knock at the dressing room door (they brought a trailer along to the shrine so that she could get ready).
"Who is it?" Tikal called through.
"You're future killer." The voice said. Before Tikal could do anything, the door burst open and standing there with a gun in her hand was Julie-Su. Julie-Su quietly closed the door.
"So it was you all along!" Tikal gasped, backing up into the wall.
"Yes, and I would have gotten you the when I hit your leg if it weren't for that pink hedgehog."
"Amy? Amy tried to save me?" Tikal murmured.
"Too bad you're not going to be able to thank her." Julie-Su said, getting the gun ready to shoot.
"No! Please don't kill me!" Tikal said, sliding down the wall. "What do you want from me?!" She screamed.
"Knuckles. Refuse to marry him, and it will grant you you're life." Tikal started to cry. "And you can't tell him about this, or you'll be dead before you could say 'I do'."
"No-not Knuckles. He means everything to me!" Tikal cried.
"Looks like we have something in common, Princess. Now make something up, and tell them there will be no wedding!"
"FINE!" Tikal screamed, sobbing. But Tikal wasn't ready to give up.
Tikal went out side in her normal clothes, holding her stomach. She faked a fall, and everyone came running to her.
"Tikal! What's wrong?!" Cass and Knuckles said at the same time.
"Knuckles," Tikal said weakly. She pulled him down to her mouth and whispered in his ear [does he even have ears?!]. "Knuckles! Julie-Su has been the one! She's going to kill me if I marry you. Pretend to go over to her to talk, and then take her to jail, or something!" Knuckles nodded and told Cass what they were doing. Cass nodded and Knuckles walked over to Julie-Su, looking as if he were going to kiss her. Julie-Su put her arms out to him, and he quickly put them behind her back.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" She yelled, struggling.
"Taking you to the police." He said calmly. As soon as Knuckles and Julie-Su were out of sight, Tikal got up and hugged Cass.
"Okay, girl, time to get you ready!" Cass exclaimed.
Now that Tikal knew nothing could happen to her as long as Julie-Su was gone, she felt much better. Once in her dress, her confidence was high.
"I'm actually getting married!" Tikal exclaimed while Cass was putting on her make up.
"And the party afterward will be so FUN!" Cass finished putting on Tikal's make up and started on her own face. Cass was in a bride's maid dress. It was blue silk with pink silk under it, so it looked a blue-ish pink. Tikal's dress was long and white [no kidding] and noble. It filled a lot of the tiny trailer's floor, and was hard to move in. Her vale was long and it had pearls lining it. Little flowers made of beads were sown into her dress. It was absolutely beautiful. Tikal took a minute and looked at her self in the mirror.
"I'm-I'm different." She said, staring at the woman in the mirror.
"A beautiful kind of different." Cass assured.
"I mean-I can't believe it's me. I can't believe I'm getting married. In the beginning of my relationship with Knuckles, I thought of everything as impossible. I AM the princess. Isn't that what was stopping me in the beginning?" Tikal put her fore head in her heads. "Why am I doing this?!" She cried.
"TIKAL!" Cass yelled. "I'm disappointed. The reason you're marrying him is because you love him. Before, I looked at you as a role-model because you didn't care what tradition said, or what other people said or thought. That SHOULD be the reason you marry someone. Love, not tradition. To think, YOU changed history. Once you marry Knuckles, people are going to say 'Princess Tikal was the first to marry a guardian.'. Besides the fact, you're marrying for love, and I'm proud-I'm proud to be your best friend." Cass sobbed for a minute then continued putting on her make up.
"Thank you, Cass. I needed that. I'm so happy you're my best friend." They hugged each other and Cass walked outside because the wedding was going to start. That's when Pachacamac, her father, came in.
"Tikal, it's time." Since Tikal and Knuckles' decision to marry, Pachacamac had been very stern with the both of them. He took her down the isle without a word.
Tikal basically thought through out the whole ceremony. She didn't even think Knuckles was listening. They looked at each other every once in a while, and when they did, they're hearts beat in unison. Tikal looked at the line of her friends behind her. Her bride's maids were Cass, Amy, and some of Tikal's cousins from other echidna villages. Knuckles' best man was Sonic, and the Ring Barrier was Tails. Then, Tikal heard the words she had been waiting for. "Do you, Guardian Knuckles, take Princess Tikal as your lawfully wedded wife, and promise to take care of her through sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live?" "I do." Knuckles beamed. "And, do you, Princess Tikal, take Guardian Knuckles as your lawfully wedded husband and promise to take care of him through sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live?" Tikal at first was about to say 'I do' but then she choked up. This was a decision she had to make for her self. She didn't know weather to listen to tradition, or love. In other words, her father and Knuckles. Knuckles' smile turned into a look of disappointment. Question was written all over his face. Tikal bit her lip. A tear slipped down her cheek. Her father's eyes were set on her, and she new what they were saying. Cass' face was frantic, as if saying 'what are you doing?!'. And, Knuckles. Knuckles eyes were full of pain at the moment. Tikal choked.
~~~*~||||||||wait and see||||||||~*~~~ ~~~|*|~~~|*|~~~|*|~~~|*|~~~|*|~~~
OKOK!! I KNOW it's a cliff hanger, but I did that on purpose!! When you review, first, tell me what you think about it, then, tell me weather or not you want them to get married. Last, give me reasoning. If you don't have a reason, ok, but give me one if you do. PLEASE!! If you follow the directions, it could depend on Tikal and Knuckles' future!!
Knuckles: yeah, so make it good!!
Tikal: --tradition, or love-- *still thinking*
Pachacamac: TRADITION!
Knuckles and Cass: LOVE!!
