A Dream Come True

 

Synopsis:   Iridina and Dashiel finally tie the proverbial knot. 

 

‘I am a man who will fight for your honor

I’ll be the hero that you’re dreaming of

We’ll live together, knowing forever

That we did it all for the glory of love.’—lyrics from Glory of Love, sung by Peter Cetera, the incredibly romantic theme from Karate Kid II

 

‘Two hearts believing just one mind

Beating together ‘til the end of time

You know we’re two hearts believing just one mind

Together forever ‘til the end of time.’—some lyrics from Phil Colins’ Two Hearts

 

‘Winter, spring, summer or fall

All you’ve got to do is call

I’ll come runnin’

You’ve got a friend.’—‘You’ve Got a Friend’ as sung by Carole King

 

Chapter 1—So Many Emotions All At Once

                In the splendid, immaculate, and massive chapel, Dashiel sported his fanciest duds, watching and waiting for Iridina to enter through the nave of the church, followed by an entourage of bridesmaids, a  bouncy flower girl, and the jovial ring bearer.    He had dreamt of this scenario thousands of times before but never thought he would be experiencing so many emotions all at once.   In this moment, he remembered that adage about bravery.    Bravery wasn’t about not experiencing fear, but rather, embracing it, and going ahead with the very thing that terrified you in the first place.  

                As Mendelson’s march played triumphantly, accompanied by a full symphonic orchestra, Dashiel felt a lump in his throat and butterflies cascading in his stomach.   Iridina was a vision to behold in her flowing, gossamer white gown, complete with lace train, peace roses and baby’s breath accenting her head as a makeshift crown. 

                Even though he was elated, there was also dread in the back of his mind.   He wondered if being married would put an end to all the adventures he had experienced or if he would still fight alongside his siblings.   All the pressures of royalty came crashing down on him simultaneously but when Iridina held his hands together and looked into his eyes, it was as if she read his mind.

                ‘I know deep down, and I can sense what’s going through your mind.   This is unknown territory for the bot of us, Dash.’, Iridina said quietly as the priest read their vows to them before repeating them back to him.    Dashiel knew that what his parents said was right.   Tomorrow was undiscovered, and it could be frightening, but he had people like Iridina beside him and so many who loved and cared for him.  He had his faith and he had fortitude to overcome just about any dilemma.     With all the fear erased by a sweet, radiant smile from Iridina, Dashiel knew he could trust that whatever happened, she would be there for him come what may.  

 

Chapter 2—Coming Into Their Own

                The wedding had been a massive gala event for everyone on Mobius and interplanetarily, it was the most watched ceremony since that of the late Princess Diana.    The two were equally matched and it was obvious that they were meant to be together.     Love could be seen in their eyes and their brilliant smiles spoke volumes as they danced to countless love songs on the dance floor, hand in hand, cheek to cheek, or Iridina’s head upon her love Dashiel’s heart.   

                The ceremony was followed by a sensational honeymoon to a completely different planet that was meant as a destination to those longing for beach vistas, tropical drinks, and unbelievable views as well as plenty of activities to enjoy as they grew closer together before returning to Mobius and delving into royal duties and etiquette.    

                Back at the palace, Sonic was becoming worried about his son.  

                ‘Y’know, I never really considered myself being so concerned until now.   I guess reality didn’t hit me until Dash and Iridina shuttled off to Luxuria.’, he said.    Amy had never seen him in this state.   It was quite a role reversal.   

                ‘There comes a time you have to let your little ones have wings, darling.   I know it’s hard, I’ve been struggling with it all week myself.’, she admitted.    They still had a full family left to rear and they never showed any of their children favoritism.   They were fair and equitable and the balancing act alone in that regard could be quite tricky, but as king and queen they had managed that without distress.     Knowing that the loving couple was living it up off planet but realizing they knew their responsibilities as soon as they returned was strangely comforting.   

                ‘I suppose we have to take many things on faith in general.  Just like I’ll never have all the answers about the medallions or my wristwatch.’, he said, after some pensive moments.   He was feeling a bit competitive, so he decided to see if the younger hoglets were awake for a rousing old-fashioned gauntlet of dodgeball.   That always got the old heart pumping.  

 

Chapter 3—I’m going to be a Grandpa?   

                At the end of two weeks, Iridina and Dashiel returned to much pomp and fanfare.   Mobius and her accompanying satellites had been peaceful and without incident for quite some time since Red Fang had fallen, but not many kvetched over that.    

                Amy noticed that Iridina had that unmistakable motherly glow about her.  

                ‘I know it’s a bit early, but we’re going to be parents !’, she squealed, bouncing a bit on her heels.

                ‘I’m going to be a grandpa ?’, Sonic questioned, reeling from the prospects of having littler hoglets running around the castle.   Crystal Castle had millions of families running around it, but the pitter patter of tiny speedy feet would make things even more interesting for everyone, that much was certain.    For a moment, he wiped away a singular tear.    All he could do was hug his daughter-in-law close to him and brought his son in for a group embrace.  

                ‘Amy, my love, come on in !’, he said, his happiness overflowing.  It had been the best news he had heard all day.   They would need a baby shower planned closer to her delivery date, which she wasn’t expecting, but the king and queen insisted and wouldn’t take no for an answer.

                ‘We’re still your parents, and we want to help as much as we can.   Parenthood can be daunting, trust me.’, Amy said, laughing.

                ‘Daunting but rewarding.   I’m sure you will both be naturals at it.’, Sonic said, with an added vote of confidence as he patted his sons back vigorously.  

                ‘Me, a grandpa !   Radical !’, he exclaimed again, still processing the incredible news.   

 

Chapter 4—A Flutter With Activity

                The next few months were met in babyproofing the castle from hazards.

                ‘I’m just excited because you and I are gonna be an Aunt and Uncle !’, Maverick said, eagerly.    Amethystia had been older, and she recalled when her siblings were younger and how they used to look up to her.   Honestly, she had missed being doted on, but she would get to experience it again and joy bubbled up in her heart simply thinking of that.    

                ‘You’re going to need help with the party.   All of us are behind you, Sonic.’, Sally said, as she, Cyrus and her family had heard the news traveling around the castle.

                ‘Thanks everyone.’, Sonic said.   He was ultimately grateful that everyone was being so generous.  He could see the glee on his family’s faces as they started whispering to each other.   Amethystia was being a little boastful in pointing out that she had noticed Iridina looked a bit more feminine than usual.  

                It would be delightful and daunting having little ones running around.   Even the cousins and their kids knew they could help the young soon-to-be King and his Queen with their parental duties so the two of them could administer the kingdom and keep the society of Mobius running smoothly.  

 

Epilogue

                The baby shower was an absolute blast for everyone involved.   Even Maverick, who typically didn’t care for stereotypical ‘girly’ things thought that the party was a lot of fun.   He learned quite a bit about changes he would one day go through even though he had experienced ‘The Talk’ much earlier in his youth when he caught a couple of Mobian peacocks copulating in the garden for everyone to see.    He would never forget that.   It was funnier than it was embarrassing and remembering it elicited a full-on belly laugh from him.   

                ‘So, sextuplets !  That’s a BUNCH !’, Maverick said, looking at Iridina.   She was starting to buldge a bit but luckily this last trimester hadn’t been too burdensome.   Dash, marveling at his wife’s strength, was impressed at how perky she could be, even when heavy with their children.    Soon, he would come to meet them, and with all the help he was receiving, he was certain he and Iridina would be marvelous parents whatever obstacles stood in their way.    

 

To Be Continued….