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Chapter 24: The Wedding

The decorations were set. The guests, all dressed so elegantly in their finest dresses and suits for this special occasion, were each seated in white and gold Chiavari chairs set up facing the altar. Warm string lights hanging above the guests as they patiently waited, allowing the sparkling lights above them to illuminate the approaching evening. The sun was slowly dropping toward the horizon, hiding behind the trees that circled the farmhouse, painting the sky with a breathtaking warm orange and yellow glow. The weather was warm and the sky was clear. The backyard of April's old family farmhouse has been turned into a beautiful and romantic wedding location, almost as if it was taken straight from a fairy tale. The perfect wedding for a happy couple and all their friends to celebrate their love with them.

At the altar was the groom, Raphael, fidgeting his hands with nervousness and excitement as he stood under the arch - a decor of white, red, and teal roses and dressed in a flowy white voile fabric. Each guest was in their assigned seating, all patiently waiting for the ceremony to soon begin. All the smiling faces and joyful eyes were locked on the groom who anxiously waited at the altar for his bride.

Raphael couldn't believe this was finally happening. After everything they've been through together and all he's done for this moment to happen, very soon he'll be seeing her walking down the aisle. The thought excited him.

Raphael took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself when the sudden feeling of a hand rested on his shoulder. He looks over to see his brother, Leonardo, who stood by him to officiate the wedding.

"You alright?" Leo asks him in a whispering tone. "You look kinda jumpy. Relax. Enjoy the moment"

Raph exhales, looking at his brother with a smile, "Sorry, I can't contain myself. I guess I'm just excited. I can't wait to see her."

Leo chuckles, "Never seen you like this before."

"Can you blame me? I'm getting married!"

"Well, yeah, but honestly it's still so surprising... You're a different turtle from when we were teenagers. I noticed a change in you, a good change."

    "Haven't we all changed?"

    "Yes, but yours is different. You've grown and matured these last few years into a better man. I think I have Mona to thank for that, but still, even before you met Mona I noticed your growth. We've faced our hardships in battles, life and with each other, and you faced a great one when you confronted Bishop. That action alone is now leading to great things. Mutants are slowly entering into society, Donnie has his position in the Utrom Council, the galaxy's alliance and new intergalactic council, and you are starting the next chapter of your life with the woman you love. I'm proud of you, Raphael."

Raph looks at his brother, touched by Leo's words and giving a warm smile, silently thanking him.

Leo then takes a moment, holding back his tears, as he then tells his brother, "And I know Splinter would be proud of you too..."

At that moment, music began to play. The ceremony has begun.

Raph and Leo looked on as they witnessed their friends, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, walk down the aisle to meet with the groom on the altar. The first pair was Karai and Slash, arms locked and heads held high. Two long time friends and respected leaders among their teams. As they make their way to the altar, Slash and Karai's eyes meet with Leonardo's. The three leaders greet one another with a respectful nod before heading to their positions on the altar, Slash standing behind Raph and Karai on the opposite side to where the bride will soon stand.

Next was the couple Mikey and Renet, happily smiling as they made their way down the aisle. Everyone could tell the two would much rather joyfully skip down the aisle than slowly walk, but they restrained themselves, basking in every moment of this special day. Once at the altar, they parted, with Mikey joining Slash and Renet with Karai.

The third pair was the unlikely duo of Donnie and Shinigami. The two had charming smiles on their faces as Donnie escorted Shini to the altar. Once they parted however, Donnie quickly went to rubbing his arm, finally free from Shini's surprisingly strong grip that she has not let go of since she snatched him from the bridal room a few minutes prior.

Everyone remained quiet for the final pair to begin making their way down the aisle. Arms locked and walking together was the Maid of Honor and the Best Man: April O'Neil and Casey Jones. A prideful gleam from them both, honored with the titles they were given for this special occasion.

    As the two make their way to the altar, they part with all the groomsmen now standing proudly behind Raphael as all the bridesmaids face on the opposite side of them.

Next to head his way down the aisle was Chompy Picasso, dressed in a little bow tie that matches with the groom. With a pillow resting on his spikey shell, the fire breathing alien tortoise brought the rings up to the altar. Following behind Chompy was Ice Cream Kitty, wearing a little flower crown on her head. She sat in a little vehicle of a cooler on wheels for her to head down the aisle, sprinkling petals of roses down on the ground, preparing for the woman Raphael has been longing to see all day.

With a shift in change of music, everyone knew who was coming. All at once the audience stands in honor and respect as Raphael's eyes widen from the beautiful sight.

Appearing at the end of the aisle, dressed in a gorgeous gleaming white gown, bouquet in hand, and a long flowing veil encircling her, was the bride, Mona Lisa. Raphael has seen her in many outfits before, from warrior attire for battles to lovely dresses for their date nights, but he's never seen her like this. Her mermaid style gown flowed gracefully down her long legs and continued behind her along with her long veil. The rest of the dress, from her hips to her shoulders, wrapped tightly around her body, proudly showing off her curves. Her exposed shoulders showed off a few of her glistening silver spots along with the matching choker necklace. This wasn't his bride he was seeing. She was a cosmic goddess, blessing everyone with her presence and unmatched beauty.

Mona Lisa's eyes quickly lock with her soon to be husband. A smile and heartfelt gaze. Their hearts beating fast, both excited for this moment.

"Wow..." Raph lovingly sighs, entranced by the beautiful sight of his love.

Raphael knew he had to control himself. It took everything in his power to not just run up to Mona Lisa and kiss her. To sweep her off her feet and take her away as his now. No. Like Leo said, enjoy the moment. Embrace every second of this day, and that is what Raphael planned to do. Admire every moment of her, with her, this moment they are sharing together.

Stepping by her side and offering his arm, Sal Commander gracefully escorts Mona Lisa down the aisle, taking their time with each step, heads held high with honor and pride. Everyone's eyes were on Mona Lisa, amazed by how beautiful she looked. An elegant and graceful bride making her way towards her groom. With every step she took closer to her love, Raphael's heart beat faster and faster.

Making their way to the altar, Mona Lisa turns to Sal Commander, thanking him with a quick but gentle kiss on the cheek. Sal then looks at Raphael, giving the turtle a smile and a respectful nod before taking his seat among the crowd.

    The music fades and everyone else takes their seats once again as they look on at Raphael and Mona Lisa, finally standing together at the altar, face to face, happily staring at each other with a loving gaze.

"Dearly beloved," Leo begins with a gentle smile, "We are all gathered here today to witness the marriage of Raphael and Mona Lisa, two of the strongest warriors I have ever known. It brings me great joy to see all of you here to witness this glorious occasion. To all of our friends and family from below the streets of Manhattan to distant planets beyond our stars, we thank you."

Raph takes a moment to turn back to his groomsmen, seeing Donnie, Mikey, Casey and Slash smiling at him, happy for their friend's special day. Mona had the same thought, looking back at her bridesmaids, cheerful grins reflecting back at her. Everyone was here for them, to celebrate their love and wishing them the best on their journey to the next chapter of their lives.

"Now, before we continue," Leo then says, "If there is anyone who has any reason to believe that these two should not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace."

    It was silent as Leonardo, Raphael, Mona Lisa, the bridesmaids, the groomsmen, and everyone else sitting in the crowd all had the exact same thought of action. Slowly everyone turned their head over to Agent Bishop who was sitting in the audience. Everyone, including the rest of the Utrom Council, stared him down with an intimidating glare. Bishop's eyes widen, feeling a chill go down his spine. He takes a deep breath to calm himself then gestures to Leo to continue, giving a slight smile, reassuring the couple that he will never bother them ever again.

"Smart choice," Leo said in a deadpan tone to the Utrom before looking back at the bride and groom, his smile returning. "Love is a powerful thing, and these two have proved countless times that no matter what obstacle you come across, and beings that try to get in your way, with love you can overcome it and become stronger than ever before." He then looks at the bride and groom, "We all know how much you two love each other and there's no doubt that you two will forever be happy together. I know that I speak for everyone here when I wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness."

    In a quick glance, Raphael sees his friends and family, all of them smiling at the couple. All of them agreed with Leonardo, happily nodding. Then Raphael and Mona Lisa quickly take a glance at each other. Their eyes meet for a moment as they smile at one another. Leo was right. They do love each other, more than anything in the galaxy, and today was the day they proclaimed it to the whole universe. They looked forward to their long awaited future together.

    "Who has the rings?" Leo asks.

    Chompy happily approaches the couple, presenting the wedding rings resting on the little white pillow strapped onto his shell. Two beautiful sparkling bands of rose gold. Raph and Mona smile at Chompy as they pick up their rings. Mona gives Chompy a quick kiss on the forehead thanking him, as they begin the ring exchange and say their vows.

    "Mona Lisa," Raph starts, "Growing up, I thought I was someone who needed no one. I thought I was happy with being a 'lone wolf' and was convinced that was how my life would go. But then I met you. You opened my eyes, my whole view on the world changed and I realized that you were everything I've ever wanted in my life. I remember I said "What a woman" when I first realized my feelings for you, and now I'm proud to say that this strong and beautiful woman standing before me is my wife." Raph begins to tear up as he smiles at her, "I promise I will love, honor and treasure you till the end of our days. You are the love of my life, my beautiful work of art, my Mona Lisa."

    Raphael takes Mona's hand and carefully places the ring on her finger.

    Mona Lisa looks at her ring now on her finger. She smiled, as a tear of happiness began to fall. She looks back at Raphael and begins her vows, "Raphael, my love, you are unlike any man I have ever met. You're so kind, strong willed, brave, and you have the heart of a true noble warrior that would put the men on my planet to shame. The day I met you on the ice planet of Thalos, you won not just my trust, but my heart as well. Every moment with you is an adventure. I once told you that I would go anywhere with you, a vow I promise with all my heart that I will continue to live by for the rest of our lives. I love you, and I look forward to the many more adventures we will face together in this next chapter of our lives."

Mona Lisa then does the same, placing Raphael's ring onto his finger. They look up at each other, their hands intertwined, as Leonardo smiles and continues.

"Well, we might as well get to the best part," Leo explains as he quickly clears his throat.

He continues, "Do you, Raphael Hamato, take Y'gythgba Mona Lisa, to be your lawful wedded wife, to love and to hold for as long as you both shall live?"

    Raph smiles as he looks at his bride lovingly, "I do."

    Leo then turns to the bride, "And do you, Y'gythgba Mona Lisa, take Raphael Hamato, to be your lawful wedded husband, to love and to hold for as long as you both shall live?"

    Mona smiles at Raphael, her eyes full of love and joy as she says, "I do."

"And so, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife." Leo proudly announces with a smile as he then looks at Raphael, "You may kiss the bride," he tells him with a wink.

Raphael's eyes glow with love and excitement as Mona Lisa smiles at him and blushes. Without another moment wasted, Mona grabs Raph and pulls him into her arms and dips him, giving her new husband a loving and passionate kiss.

"...Or the groom," Leo corrects himself, surprised by Mona's quick actions.

The couple sinks into the kiss as they hear all their friends and family cheering for the newly wedded couple. The kiss was passionate and full of love, desire and happiness. A kiss that marks the beginning of their new life together.

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