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Chapter 22 - Wedding Vows

A/N: A/N : For this part, I want to say a little something. I was honestly trembling a bit while writing some of these scenes. In fact, I worked on this chapter earlier than the others, and it took me about four days more compared to the rest.

I actually wanted this chapter to be longer so I could add more small details, but since this is a fanfic, I had to shorten it.

There are parts I simply couldn't fully imagine and that are hard to put into words. Well… I got a bit emotional while writing a few paragraphs here, because they reminded me of something personal too, hehe.

Still, I hope you all can enjoy it.

Oh, by the way, the Resident Evil arc will start on February 27, and since I've already gotten some spoilers about Raccoon City Syndrome from RE:9, I think I'll start editing again from the beginning to extend this Resident Evil arc.

More power stone, more power stone i need more power stone.

...

Meanwhile, Allen had already rejoined the rest of the guys—Lenny, Kurt, Rob, Marcus, and Eric—near the front of the hall. The place was packed now. Guests filled every seat, their voices blending into a lively buzz as everyone waited for the ceremony to begin.

As Allen took his place, his eyes naturally scanned the room. That's when he noticed Jasmine. She was seated a few rows back beside Amber, pretending to pay attention to something else, yet every so often her gaze drifted toward him. When their eyes briefly met, she quickly looked away—just a second too late for Allen not to notice.

"Hey, man, where the hell were you?" Marcus said, grinning as he clapped a hand on Allen's shoulder. "You took forever changing. For a second there, I thought you bailed and I was gonna have to step in as the groom."

"Yeah, right," Allen shot back with a scoff. "Like I'd ever let you take my place. I was just making sure I looked perfect. Can't mess this up."

Lenny laughed, shaking his head. "Just admit it, buddy. You were nervous. Happens to everyone." He leaned in slightly. "Trust me, I was a wreck when I married Roxanne."

Allen simply sighed and shook his head, choosing not to argue. Letting it slide was easier than explaining anything—especially what he'd actually been doing earlier.

"Well then," Allen said, straightening his shoulders, "let's get this show started."

With that, he stepped forward confidently, instantly drawing everyone's attention. The chatter softened as he walked down the aisle, Lenny following closely behind as his best man.

Allen took a moment to look around. His gaze passed over the guests, then briefly returned to Jasmine, before shifting to his friends. Marcus and Kurt were already whispering to each other, hands subtly exchanging bills.

"I'm telling you, ten bucks says he freezes during the vows," Kurt muttered.

"No way," Marcus replied. "He'll crack a joke first. Five bucks."

Allen caught the movement and smirked to himself.

Unbelievable, he thought. Even at my wedding, these idiots are gambling.

Still, he couldn't help smiling. Surrounded by friends, laughter, and just a hint of chaos—it felt exactly right.

And as the music began to swell, the soft voice of a live singer filled the hall. The opening chords of "Can't Help Falling in Love" flowed gently through the room, carried by an acoustic guitar and supported by a few subtle instruments that gave the moment a warm, intimate tone.

"Wise men say

Only fools rush in

But I can't help falling in love with you

Shall I stay?

Would it be a sin

If I can't help falling in love with you?"

Almost instantly, the chatter faded. Conversations died down, laughter softened, and heads slowly turned toward the aisle. The hall seemed to hold its breath.

Allen felt it then—that quiet shift in the air. The jokes, the teasing, the side bets Marcus and Kurt had been making just moments ago… all of it melted away. Even Marcus stopped mid-whisper, nudging Kurt with his elbow and nodding forward.

"Oh damn," Marcus muttered. "Here we go."

Allen swallowed, the playful grin he'd been wearing all day easing into something calmer, more sincere. His hands rested at his sides, fingers flexing slightly as he listened to the familiar melody. For the first time since the morning, everything felt undeniably real.

From her seat, Jasmine kept her eyes on Allen as the song continued. Her vision shimmered slightly, tears threatening to spill as her heart skipped in a way she hadn't expected. The lyrics hit far closer to her feelings than she was ready to admit. For a brief moment, she forgot about Amber beside her, forgot about the crowd, forgot about the noise and celebration around her—there was only Allen, standing at the front, framed by light and music.

At the same time, a gentle flow of water began to move along the sides of the aisle, part of the wedding's elaborate setup. The soft sound of flowing water reflected the lights above, giving the scene an almost dreamlike quality as Allen slowly walked forward.

Lenny leaned closer to him and whispered with a half-grin, "Still wanna bet you won't get emotional?"

Allen didn't answer. He just smiled faintly, eyes fixed straight ahead as the music carried on.

Yeah… he was getting emotional. His chest felt tight, his heartbeat a little too fast. After all, this wasn't just any moment—it was his first real wedding. And standing there now, surrounded by friends, music, and memories in the making, he knew this was something he'd never forget.

Allen took a deep breath as he watched two little girls step into the aisle, carefully scattering flower petals with big, serious expressions on their tiny faces. It was Becky and Charlotte, the daughters of Lenny and Kurt, dressed in matching pastel dresses that looked almost too cute for words.

"Ohhh my—my little girl is so adorable," Roxanne said instantly, clutching her chest as she leaned forward, eyes sparkling. Dean stood beside her, nodding proudly, a wide grin plastered on his face as he watched Becky toss petals with a little too much enthusiasm.

Lenny straightened up, puffing his chest slightly. "That's my daughter," he whispered, clearly trying—and failing—to hide how emotional he was. Kurt wasn't much better, discreetly wiping the corner of his eye while pretending to clear his throat.

"Don't cry," Marcus muttered under his breath from nearby. "You're gonna ruin my tough-guy image of you."

"Shut up," Kurt shot back quietly. "They grow up too fast, okay?"

The girls continued down the aisle, petals fluttering softly against the floor as the music played on. Their laughter echoed lightly through the hall, easing the tension and drawing warm smiles from everyone watching.

Allen couldn't help but smile too. The nervousness in his chest loosened just a little. Seeing the kids, seeing his friends—this was exactly what he loved about moments like this. Messy, loud, emotional… and real.

For a brief second, he glanced around at the familiar faces, then back toward the aisle, his heart steadying as he prepared himself for what came next.

Then it happened.

Allen's breath caught the moment Raviel appeared at the entrance of the hall.

She walked slowly down the aisle, each step careful, almost reverent, as if she were afraid the moment might shatter if she rushed it. Her eyes were locked onto Allen's—shimmering, glassy, filled with emotion so raw it made her look like she might cry at any second. Not from sadness, but from overwhelming happiness. From finally reaching the day she had been waiting for.

And just like that, Allen froze.

The noise of the hall faded into nothing. The music softened into a distant echo. The crowd, his friends, the jokes, the teasing—everything disappeared from his awareness.

All he could see was her.

Raviel looked… unreal. Not just beautiful—though she was breathtaking—but something far deeper than that, something that made the moment feel almost unreal. Especially in the white wedding gown she wore, she looked less like someone standing at an altar and more like a princess from a forgotten kingdom, stepping forward to marry her long-awaited prince.

The fabric of her dress flowed softly with every step, catching the light in a way that made her seem almost luminous. The white wasn't just a color—it symbolized purity, devotion, and a promise she had been holding onto for far longer than anyone in that room could imagine. Her long hair framed her face perfectly, and her eyes, shimmering with unshed tears, never once left Allen.

She smiled at him—not the playful, teasing smile she often wore—but a gentle, heartfelt one. The kind that carried relief, joy, and an overwhelming sense of finally.

There was a warmth in her smile, a fragile joy trembling at the edges, like she was holding back tears just to stay standing. Her hands were clasped tightly in front of her, fingers trembling slightly, as if she was anchoring herself to the moment.

She's really here, Allen thought.

For once, his usual confidence deserted him. His chest tightened, his throat went dry, and his heart began to pound in a way he had never felt before. This wasn't excitement. This wasn't nerves.

This was something heavier. Something real.

The look Raviel gave him wasn't something that could be described easily—devotion, love, relief, and quiet disbelief all woven together. It was the look of someone who had waited, believed, and finally arrived.

Allen didn't even realize his eyes had softened until Lenny leaned closer and whispered, half-amused, half-awed, "Buddy… you look like you just forgot how to breathe."

Allen didn't answer.

He couldn't.

Because in that moment, standing there in front of everyone, watching Raviel walk toward him with tears threatening to fall and a smile meant only for him—

He knew.

No jokes. No bravado. No escape.

This was it.

And for the first time in his life, Allen felt something he couldn't put into words—something so full, so overwhelming, that even the author himself wouldn't dare try to explain it.

Then Tiamat followed, walking quietly behind Raviel.

Her steps were soft, almost careful, as if she didn't want to disturb the moment. Compared to the others, her presence was gentle and reserved—but that was exactly what made it hit Allen so hard. The deep ocean-blue of her hair framed her face beautifully, and her lavender eyes carried a calm devotion that felt deeply personal. She looked unbelievably adorable, and for once, Allen truly had no words. He just stood there, completely frozen, heart tight in his chest.

Then Hera appeared.

She stepped into the aisle wearing her wedding gown like a true queen. Her posture was regal, her presence commanding without a single word needing to be spoken. The fabric flowed perfectly around her, elegant and dignified, and the calm confidence in her eyes made it impossible to look away. The moment Allen saw her, his nervousness spiked again—his shoulders straightened instinctively, as if he were standing before royalty itself.

"Okay… yeah," Marcus muttered under his breath. "Now I'd be sweating."

After Hera came Aphrodite.

The reaction was immediate. A soft wave of murmurs rippled through the hall as her beauty effortlessly drew every gaze toward her. She didn't rush—she didn't need to. She walked with an easy, natural grace, smiling just enough to make hearts skip without even trying. Even people who weren't part of the ceremony found themselves staring, completely caught.

"Unfair," Kurt whispered. "That should be illegal at a wedding."

Then came Hestia.

Warmth followed her like a gentle flame. Her smile was soft and comforting, the kind that made the entire room feel calmer just by her presence alone. It wasn't flashy or overwhelming—it was sincere. The kind of warmth that felt like home.

Jasmine and Amber, watching from their seats, couldn't hold back anymore. Tears slipped down their cheeks as they watched their friend walk forward, glowing in her own quiet way.

"She looks so happy," Jasmine whispered, her voice trembling.

Amber nodded, wiping her eyes. "Yeah… she really does."

Athena followed next.

Her steps were steady, confident, and precise. There was a sharp elegance to her—an unmistakable charisma that needed no decoration. Her gaze was focused, intelligent, and composed, and for a brief moment, it felt less like a bride walking down the aisle and more like a general stepping into history itself. Allen swallowed, feeling a strange mix of respect and pressure under her gaze.

Then Artemis.

Her beauty was wild, untamed, and natural—like moonlight slipping through a forest. She didn't smile much, but her eyes were bright, alive, and free. There was something honest about the way she walked, something unrestrained, and it drew people in without asking permission.

After her came Demeter, serene and nurturing, her presence calm and grounding. Beside her walked Persephone. Persephone's beauty was softer and gentler, yet there was depth in her expression—a quiet strength beneath the surface that made her impossible to ignore.

By the time the last of them reached the front, the hall had gone completely silent.

Allen stood there, heart pounding, surrounded by love, presence, and meaning from every direction. His usual humor had faded, replaced by something heavier—but not unpleasant.

Real.

This wasn't just a ceremony anymore.

It was a moment that would be remembered.

Then, from the side of the hall, Castoria entered, gently pushing Mikaela's wheelchair forward. Dressed as an attendant for the bride, Castoria moved with calm care, guiding Mikaela toward the aisle. The sight softened the atmosphere even further, adding quiet tenderness to an already unforgettable scene.

Allen kept his gaze fixed on the nine women he was about to marry, his eyes moving from one to the next as if trying to take in every detail, every expression—afraid that if he blinked, the moment might slip away.

Not far from the aisle, Mikaela quietly broke down. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she watched Allen standing there, ready to begin a new life with all of them. She tried to smile through it, but the emotion was too much. It wasn't sadness—if anything, it was the overwhelming weight of the moment, of seeing something so big and sincere happening right in front of her.

Lenny wasn't doing much better.

He turned his head slightly, rubbing at his eyes with the back of his hand, clearly emotional as he watched his cousin finally getting married—and not just married, but stepping into a life with a family far bigger than anyone could have imagined. "Damn it," he muttered quietly, sniffing. "Didn't think this would hit me like that."

Around them, they weren't the only ones.

Rob was openly wiping his eyes, his usual tough-guy act completely gone. Gloria leaned in without saying a word, gently dabbing at his tears and giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "You're crying again," she teased softly.

"Hey, shut up," Rob grumbled, though his voice cracked. "It's a beautiful moment, alright?"

The hall was filled with that kind of emotion—quiet tears, shaky smiles, and hearts pulled tight by the weight of what they were witnessing. This wasn't just a wedding.

It was the beginning of something real.

...

Then the pastor stepped forward once more and began to speak, his voice clear and solemn as it carried through the hall. He recited a long, meaningful passage—words meant to bind destinies together, to unite Allen with Raviel, Tiamat, Hera, Aphrodite, Athena, Artemis, Hestia, Demeter, and Persephone in a single vow.

The atmosphere grew heavy with emotion as he continued.

"Marriage," the pastor said gently, "is not merely a promise spoken today, but a choice renewed every day that follows. To stand here is to accept love in all its forms—joy, warmth, struggle, and growth."

Allen listened, his heart pounding. His gaze moved from one woman to the next, taking them all in as if trying to carve this moment into his memory forever. He swallowed, feeling his nerves tighten around his chest.

Finally, the pastor turned to him.

"Allen," he said, "do you accept these women—Raviel, Tiamat, Hera, Aphrodite, Athena, Artemis, Hestia, Demeter, and Persephone—as your wives? To love them, protect them, and walk beside them for as long as you all shall live?"

Allen inhaled deeply. His voice was slightly shaky at first, but there was no doubt in it.

"I do," he said firmly. "I choose them. Every day. No matter what the future brings."

A soft murmur rippled through the crowd.

The pastor nodded, then turned to the nine women standing before Allen.

"And do each of you accept Allen as your husband? To share your lives with him, to stand by his side, and to walk forward together?"

Raviel answered first, tears slipping freely down her cheeks as she smiled brighter than ever.

"I do," she said without hesitation.

"I do," Tiamat followed softly, her voice calm but full of devotion.

"I do," Hera said with regal confidence, her chin lifted proudly.

"I do," Aphrodite added with a radiant smile that made the room glow.

"I do," Athena said clearly, her eyes steady and resolute.

"I do," Artemis replied simply, honest and unrestrained.

"I do," Hestia said warmly, her voice gentle like a comforting flame.

"I do," Demeter spoke next, serene and nurturing.

And finally, Persephone smiled and said quietly but surely, "I do."

The pastor smiled at the sight before him.

"Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you bound in marriage."

He gestured toward Allen with a knowing look.

"You may kiss your brides."

For a brief second, Allen froze—then laughed softly under his breath, emotion flooding his expression. He stepped forward, starting with Raviel, gently kissing her as the crowd erupted into cheers and applause. One by one, he kissed each of them—some tender, some playful, some full of quiet affection.

The hall filled with clapping, laughter, happy tears, and joyful whistles. Lenny wiped his eyes openly, Marcus cheering far too loudly, while others laughed and cried all at once.

It was chaos.

It was love.

And it was real.

The ceremony had ended—but the beginning of something far greater had just begun.

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