Return of a Speedster

A Small Ceremony

July 7, 2019
Wampum, Pennsylvania
10:45 AM

Jetfighters streak overhead; chasing the few Parademons that even think about pillaging this small hamlet.

Inside the small church, Artemis and Kid Flash stand at the front of the congregation.

The priest starts the age old ritual of taking two souls and binding them together for all eternity.

"Today, we are gathered here, in the house of the Lord, while another Lord threatens to consume all of Creation," the priest starts. "Not coward in fear and beg for mercy and forgiveness, not plot for the Evil Lord's own destruction... but instead to join together two hearts, in a testament to peace."

Artemis and Wally smile at each other's cowl and mask covered faces.

"Today, we bare witness," the priest drones on, "to the union between Kid Flash, Private First Class Wallace Rudolph West..."

Wally blushes at the use of his full name.

"...and Tigris, Artemis Lian Crock..."

She smiles brightly, but wishes that she was in either a flowing white dress or her old costume.

"...both of whom have already declared their love for one another, but still stubbornly insist on stating their own vows," the priest jokes weakly, getting a few members in the front pews to chuckle slightly.

It's mostly Nightwing, Robin, and Flash.

Artemis goes first.

"Wally," she says softly and kindly. "At the very beginning, me and you always fought with each other. At first, it was because we got on each other's nerves and truly hated each other. But then, one day, we stopped fighting as much. And, when we did, it was because we started to care and watch out for each other. Eventually, the caring turned into love and culminated with you, quite literally, sweeping me off my feet. And that's something that you haven't stopped doing since..."

Wally smiles sheepishly, as she starts to blush due to the audience's chuckling.

"Wally... for most of the past seven years, you have stood by me through thick and thin. You stood by me when I revealed my past. You stood by me when I fought my father and during every over battle since.

"And, when we wanted to take break from heroing, we stood united as we are now. Through late night fights about the color of the livingroom to helping each other with our studies, we stood by each other.

"Even when you... weren't there anymore, I some how knew... that we were still together..."

They frown at the mention of his death.

"But now that you are back," she continues, "I vow to never leave your side. To stay as close to you as possible, in both body, mind, and spirit.

"I vow to always stand by you, just as you have always stood by me. Through both hunger and plenty. Life and death. Sickness and health. Through Hell and high water. A New Genesis and The Apocalypse...

"I vow, to always love, support, care for you, Wallace Rudolph West. And to never let you get away with anything.

"I vow," she finishes with a smile; one that brightens up the storm in her misty grey eyes. As she slips the ring onto his finger.

The priest and the congregation look towards Wally.

Wally smiles brightly.

"Artemis," he starts. His tone a heavenly musk. "You're the most beautiful, bravest, and most skilled person, I've ever known. You are my Spitfire. The one that will never let me get away with anything. Not even entrapment in an extradimensional energy field."

The crowd laughs, but soon quiets down to hear him finish.

"But, today that changes," Wally declares. "For today, I vow to never let you get away with anything. No matter how trivial.

"I vow to never leave your side. To always sweep you off your feet. I vow to provide for you, so that you will not know want. For you are my Beautiful, Blonde, Emerald Spitfire, and there is no force in Heaven or Hell--not even death--can ever tear us apart.

"I also vow to never leave your side. This time... if we go down, we go down together....

"I vow," he smiles brightly. Just as brightly as when he first saw her, after exiting the Speedforce. His emerald eyes sparkle like true gems.

"Now, is there anyone amongst ye gathered," the priest asks, "that wishes to not see these two be wed, regardless of reason. Speak now. Or forever hold your peace."

No one moves. Except for Lawrence Crock, but it's nothing more than a flinch to adjust his suit collar.

"Then," the priest smiles. "With the power invested in me, by God, the Father; God, the Son; and God, the Holy Spirit, I now pronounce you husband and wife."

"You may kiss the bride," the priest smiles.

Artemis squeals uncharacteristically as Wally scoops her up in his arms.

"I should have done this a long time ago," the speedster smiles.

"No kidding," the archer smiles back, wrapping her arms around his neck.

They close the distance between their lips and refuse to part, as the crowd cheers.

When the newlyweds step off the stage, they are immediately assaulted with a plethora of hugs and congratulations from their friends and teammates.

The sight even stirs a little trace of emotion is Sportsmaster's dark heart.

Congratulations, Baby Girl, he mind declares, as a small, unnoticeable tear slides down his cheek.

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A/N: I finally wrote this! It took two and a half years, but this chapter is finally done! I hope you all enjoyed it.