OOC: Just a few notes to make things a little clearer. Both this and my second planned RP for this match will be taking place on the same day, with this one detailing Luz and Amelia's wedding ceremony while my second one will be the reception right afterward. To provide a clear timeline, both of my RPs are taking place on the evening of November 1st, the official start of this year's Día de Muertos according to everything I've looked into regarding the holiday. Also, I cannot begin to tell you all how long I've been waiting to write these CDs in particular, and I hope they are an enjoyable read because I really poured all of my emotion into trying to put this together as best as I could. As a final note, while they don't have any sort of speaking role (at least in this one), Selena and Deanna Frost both do make an appearance with permission. That said, best of luck to all my Chamber opponents!
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When you're growing up with dreams of getting married someday to your one true love, all you can ever imagine is how incredible it will all be as you both stand at the altar and exchange the words “I do.”
No one ever mentions the reality of just how easily you can become a nervous wreck once that day is finally upon you.
For as long as they've been together, Amelia and Luz have always dreamed of this day, the big moment where they could finally tie the knot and vow to spend the rest of their lives together in holy matrimony. The excitement had been palpable, even as the nerves began to set in the closer they got to the date. Every challenge in their lives, every obstacle, every threat they've fought to overcome all felt like it was leading up to this moment.
And that thought terrified them beyond belief for reasons they couldn't fully understand, no matter how much their loved ones chalked it all up to nerves.
They'd gotten the gist of the reasoning, though. This was a huge step in their lives, and no matter how much they felt like there wouldn't be too much different, it still carried with it the weight of a major change that would alter their lives forever. Up until now, Amelia and Luz had been so close and loving to one another that one could be mistaken for assuming they were already married. To actually be able to wake up tomorrow morning, look each other in the eyes and truthfully think 'that's my wife' almost felt unreal, like a dream come true. And yet, very soon, it was going to be a reality.
Another reality they were both very much aware of was the fact that today was, hopefully, going to be the most control they'd really had over anything in a good long while, especially given all of the other chaos around them that would have to be addressed sooner rather than later.
It almost felt absurd to think about how the two of them were here in Tulancingo right now, getting ready for the happiest moment of their lives, and then in two days' time they would be setting foot in one of the most dangerous structures to ever grace the wrestling world. The Light In The Darkness were no strangers to the concept of the Chamber Match, given that they've seen variations of it in countless promotions, but up until now, they've never actually BEEN in one. Perhaps even crazier was the fact that they had been the ones to call for it in the first place, willing to risk injury inside one of the most unforgiving structures ever built just to quell the chaos and make one thing clear to the entire tag division once and for all:
So long as they stood atop the tag team mountain, then you were going to step into that ring and PROVE you were good enough to defeat them if you wanted the titles they held.
They had talked for quite a while after leaving the Canadian Tire Centre following Breakdown about how fed up they were getting about everything going on around them that spat in the face of all the hard work they'd been doing to undeniably prove that SCW had the greatest tag team division in the entire wrestling world. With so many teams refusing to just settle their differences in the ring and insisting on trying to maim everyone else until there was no tag division left, rendering all their efforts to prove their points useless, they were starting to understand why Selena had started claiming that SCW was turning into the wild west.
Still, despite very real concerns from their loved ones, they had proposed this challenge and they weren't backing down from it, willing to step outside of their comfort zone and challenge themselves like never before. They wanted to set an example and prove that they weren't afraid to walk right into the chaotic storm brewing all around them, because they knew they had what it took to survive and come out the other side with their heads held high and their statement firmly made.
Just as Deanna had done in this very match at this very pay-per-view last year.
Under Attack wasn't the only storm looming over their heads, however, and the reminder of that was all around them as Luz arrived at the church and was herded into a room to get ready, knowing that Amelia was already here and doing the same on the other side of the building. One thing that any guests arriving who weren't already in the know would have to quickly get used to was the rather extreme security detail that covered practically every inch of not only the church itself, but also the nearby cemetery where the reception would take place and several surrounding blocks as well. Local authorities, the FBI and the NCA, all working together to make absolutely sure this wedding wasn't crashed by any uninvited guests and Amelia and Luz got to have the happy moment they've long since earned.
That might seem a bit excessive to an outsider, but given what they've been dealing with for almost two years now, there actually existed the concern that even this might not be enough.
Coming into today, both Amelia and Luz sincerely hoped that The Empire would leave them be and let them have this one moment in time. After all, they'd been putting up with efforts of all kinds to try and convince them not to go through with this for months now, and while it was hard to say for sure if those responsible were secretly Empire members all along despite seemingly having no affiliation with the group as far as anyone was aware, it raised so many other concerning questions that no one wanted the answers to, especially not today. The Empire had lost so many members in one form or another ever since Caleb, their deranged leader, had been arrested earlier this year, and there had been no effort to hide just how heavily guarded this wedding would be in anticipation of any sort of stunt in hopes of deterring any lingering remnants from trying anything.
If there was one unfortunate truth that constantly left a bad taste in the soon-to-be-wedded couple's mouths, however, it was the fact that so long as Caleb's extreme religious rhetoric lingered in the minds of anyone who believed in him, then this fight wasn't truly over just yet.
Dealing with that, should it become necessary, was the job of everyone playing the role of wedding security, though. For everyone else, they were here for both a wedding and to celebrate Día de Muertos, and while the brides were both getting ready, the rest of their found family was making sure that everything was set up and everyone was welcomed and seated. It wasn't meant to be a big ceremony... Luz's extended family was most prominent in the crowd of attendees, as were several luchadores who were honored to welcome back the spirit of her father and join him in watching his little girl get married. Very few members of the Blythe family were also in attendance, consisting of arguably Amelia's most distant relatives who never cared for what her parents had wanted their family name to stand for and were proud of her for finally breaking free of it once this ceremony was complete.
Both ladies had also been informed that both Selena and Deanna Frost were confirmed to have arrived, though how that might play out and what kind of shape Deanna was in given everything she's been going through as of late, especially after last Breakdown, would be an unknown to them until they were both standing at the altar together.
Amelia couldn't help but be worried about not only Deanna's well-being, but where things stood with the Frosts at this point and whether or not Ivy's plan of seating them next to each other for the wedding would actually help or make things worse. Even if her best friend and maid of honor had agreed to take all the heat for that decision if things went south, all of it still concerned her deeply as she wanted to hope everything would work itself out between them in one form or another. At the very least, knowing that Selena showed very clear concern for Deanna's well-being without caring if she was in front of the cameras or not last Breakdown gave her hope that there may still be some hope on the horizon for two women she and Luz still considered their friends, even despite everything that's happened as of late.
If she was hoping that worrying for her friends would help take away some of the nerves from her impending nuptials, then she had sorely miscalculated. If anything, knowing that things between Selena and Deanna had become rocky somewhere along the line made her even more nervous.
“You good, Ames?” Ivy asked, glancing down at her from where she was standing, working on Amelia's hair. She couldn't help but smile at her through the reflection in the mirror in front of her. As corny as it would probably sound, it warmed her heart that Ivy had offered to help with her hair. Back before her parents had forced her to kick Ivy out of her life, they had often braided one another's hair, so she trusted Ivy to make it look like something that would make it hard for Luz to pick her jaw up off the floor.
It also helped that Amelia's hair would be decorated with very large roses to fit with the spirit of Día de Muertos, and Amelia hadn't forgotten that flowers were a lifelong passion for her oldest friend.
“Getting there,” she finally admitted after taking a deep breath, though she could still feel the butterflies swarming in her stomach. “It's still a little scary, you know? I'm so close to finally being able to officially say that I'm Amelia NEVADO, wife of La Pequeña Luz... and I can't help but worry that something's going to go wrong.”
“Hey, don't worry,” Emily tried to reassure her younger sister as she finished tightening the lace on the back of Amelia's dress. “Avery, Darius and Evie are all hellbent on making sure no one gets any bright ideas about trying to crash this party. Even if one of those religious wackjobs thinks they can get past them and the veritable army they've brought with them, I'm pretty sure Marilyn will gladly take their head off... assuming Camila doesn't beat her to it for daring to ruin her daughter's wedding.”
“Well, I can at least agree that my sister won't think twice about causing harm to anyone who thinks they can deny you and Luz this moment,” Lily agreed as she continued to work on Amelia's makeup, taking her time because of the intricate detail she was working with. It was a task that Amelia felt perfectly suited the more careful and detail-oriented of the Clauson sisters, especially given that she might be the only other person she knew aside from Luz (who she couldn't see just yet) and Camila and Vee (who deserved to help Luz get ready as they were her family) who could make her face look exactly how she wanted it to for this very special day.
“That actually wasn't what I was thinking about as far as what could go wrong...” Amelia admitted. “But it's nice to know I have people who care so much about me they're willing to commit murder just to make sure Luz and I have this moment.”
“Hopefully it won't come to that...” Lily sighed. “Regardless, I think I know what you're getting at. This is just pre-wedding jitters talking, and I'm sure Luz is dealing with them as well. But I've seen how happy the two of you are together, whether it's putting up with whatever's been thrown at you from your parents or Caleb and his followers or proving yourselves in the ring just like you'll do in that Chamber Match on Sunday or even just being in one another's presence. Your love is true, and even if this wedding doesn't turn out perfect, it's not going to stop you from becoming Luz's wife when all is set and done.”
Amelia took a deep breath, knowing in her heart that Lily was right. It didn't fully put her nerves at ease, but it was a nice distraction that helped her relax enough that she could sit there and allow the people who cared about her through thick and thin to finish getting her ready. She had suspected at this point that she probably wasn't going to fully be at ease until she saw Luz waiting for her at the altar... while her heart accepted that fact, her head was wishing that she could see Luz right now and just jump straight to the part where they said 'I do' already.
“Amelia,” Ivy sternly said as she finished fixing another rose into her brown locks. “You know it's bad luck to see your bride before it's time.”
“How did you know I...?” Amelia's face would've been a bright crimson if it wasn't for all the makeup Lily was covering her face in right now.
“Ever since we worked things out, I've noticed this specific look in your eyes when Luz is on your brain,” Ivy giggled. “Thankfully, she anticipated this and sent me a little something, just in case you needed a reminder of who you're about to tie the knot with.”
Ivy slowly pulled out her phone and scrolled through it for a moment until she found an audio clip that she proceeded to play. The moment Luz's voice hit Amelia's ears, she found herself practically melting in her chair as every negative thought about what could go wrong today immediately disappeared from her brain.
“¡Hola hermosa! If you're listening to this, then that means you're probably freaking out right now. I don't blame you... I'm probably freaking out too. But I promise you everything's going to be just fine. If we can handle things like a crazed religious cult trying to 'cure' us of a 'disease' that doesn't exist or knowing that we'll soon be walking into one of SCW's most dangerous matches without fear, then we can manage something as simple as a wedding. Just remember to take deep, calming breaths so your cute brain doesn't overthink things, and know that we'll see each other real soon. Te amo, Amelia.
Mwah!”
Amelia couldn't keep herself from giggling before following Luz's prerecorded instructions and taking a few deep breaths, knowing that Ivy, Emily and Lily were watching her carefully. Feeling that their work was complete, Amelia slowly stood up and took in her reflection, hearing the gasps of awe from the three women standing behind her. Her wedding dress was black, with the sleeves, shoulders and upper back covered in elegant black lacing with floral patterns stitched into it. Her brown hair had been straightened and was almost buried beneath the giant crown of red roses strewn throughout her locks. Rounding out the look, her face was completely covered in the traditional calavera makeup of Día de Muertos, giving it the same appearance as a highly detailed sugar skull.
If you didn't know this woman was Amelia Blythe, the transformation she'd undergone over the past few hours into this beautiful bride embracing the spirit of this sacred holiday would've made her almost unrecognizable... and that thought only fueled her excitement for the final step she was about to take into finally being fully seen as her own woman, not just 'the next chapter in the Blythe family legacy.'
“Holy shit, sis...” Emily couldn't hold herself back anymore. “You look incredible...”
“I know I've seen you in the dress, but... everything else that brings it together...” Ivy stumbled over her words, rendered speechless by how good her friend looked for her big day.
“I hope Luz is ready,” Lily mused, “because I have a feeling her heart might just burst out of her chest the moment she sees you.”
Amelia grinned, almost stunned herself at how good she looked for this moment. It felt right in ways she couldn't even begin to fully describe. The fact that she looked nothing like Amelia Blythe at first glance felt fitting in a way, because very soon, she wouldn't BE Amelia Blythe anymore.
“I hope Luz is ready too...” Amelia dreamily said after a moment. “I can't wait to see how utterly handsome she's going to look for this moment...”
“Still nervous?” Ivy asked with a knowing smirk.
“A little,” Amelia admitted. “But I think the excitement that it's almost time to take the plunge is finally winning out.”
Knowing that they still had a few minutes before the ceremony would begin, Amelia opted to pass the time by asking for help with a final run-through of her vows, wanting to make sure it sounded just as good coming from her lips as it did in her head. Judging by the fact that Ivy, Emily and even Lily were struggling to hold back tears so they didn't ruin their own makeup, she was hopeful. Admittedly, she'd written what amounted to a small book on all the things she loved and wanted to say to Luz, but had somehow managed to cut it down to what she would soon be telling the love of her life knowing that they would have an eternity for her to go through the rest of it.
Ridiculous? Maybe a little, but it was clear just how much Amelia loved Luz and had been waiting for this day for so very long, and it made Ivy wonder how prepared Luz truly was at this moment compared to Amelia.
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La Pequeña Luz didn't want to admit to it, but she didn't think she was ready for this.
She stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her tie for what felt like the hundredth time in the last few minutes, feeling the sweat trailing along the edges of her mask as she tried to take deep, calming breaths, but it was only helping so much.
It was easy to say she was feeling nervous, but that honestly felt like the understatement of the millennium. She was on the verge of getting married to the love of her life, taking the next big step with the spirit of her father watching over her with what she knew could only be unbridled admiration for his beloved daughter, and she found it virtually impossible to not panic. Every single doubt that had laid dormant in her mind for years, dating all the way back to the night when she'd handed Amelia her very first professional wrestling defeat and then comforted and befriended her after the fact, had finally resurfaced in a tsunami of self-loathing that she was drowning in. All the comments she'd heard growing up about how weird and awkward she was, how she was nothing more than a troublemaker with an overactive imagination who would never amount to anything in her entire life, made it impossible to think so she could tell herself that all of her childhood bullies were wrong.
Deep down, she knew that to be true. She was about to marry the most incredible woman she'd ever come to know, she was a highly accomplished luchadora that had a legacy all her own to perhaps rival her father's at this point, but damn her brain for refusing to allow her to believe in that simple truth for even a second in the face of all her nerves that were working overtime to keep her spiraling.
Thankfully, her brain found a distraction in the form of a knocking at the door.
“Mija, are you decent?” she heard her mother call from the other side.
“¡Sí, mamá!” Luz immediately replied back.
That led to the door opening as Camila stepped into the room, followed shortly after by Valentina and Marilyn. Camila had opened her mouth to say something, but her jaw froze as the three of them took in the sight of Luz. She still adhered to lucha libre tradition even for her wedding, but her mask design was a very intricately detailed sugar skull that was a very understandable replacement for the traditional calavera makeup she probably would have donned otherwise. Beyond that, her usual pixie cut had been slicked back, and she stood before them in an all-black tuxedo, the only non-black piece standing out being the pure white tie that disappeared beneath the vest under her tailcoat. The only piece of her attire that she wasn't wearing, at least for now, was the black sombrero adorned with countless marigolds.
“How do I look?” Luz asked nervously as her hands almost instinctively moved to fiddle with her tie once again.
“Dang kid, you look sharp enough to cut,” Marilyn admitted, accompanied by a low whistle.
“You look incredible, sis!” Valentina gushed.
“...I am so glad that your father was able to come back from the afterlife tonight to see you like this, mija, because I don't think I've ever seen our little girl look so handsome,” Camila finally voiced, clearly fighting back tears in a desperate attempt to not ruin her calavera makeup.
“Gracias,” Luz mumbled, her mask doing very little to hide how red her face was becoming.
“¡Oh, mi bebé se va a casar!” Camila exclaimed, quickly closing the distance and running her hands along her daughter's mask. “¡Amelia es una chica muy afortunada!”
“I'm the lucky one mom...” Luz mumbled, her lips trying to curl into her signature smiling but struggling to do so. “At least, I think I am... maybe...”
“Is everything alright, sweetheart?” Camila asked, quickly growing worried for her daughter.
“You starting to get cold feet?” Marilyn asked, a knowing look in her eyes. Even is she'd said it in a joking tone, however, the rest of her body language was making it very clear she was taking no pleasure in seeing Luz like this.
“What? No!” Luz exclaimed, shooting an offended glare in Marilyn's direction. “I just... I don't know... my brain's been in overdrive the whole time I was getting ready, making me think that... well... maybe I shouldn't marry Amelia.”
“But you love her!” Valentina exclaimed as she moved to sit on the edge of the nearby table. “Believe me, Luz, I know how much you love that woman. Trying to convince everyone that you didn't during all that time I was pretending to be you for The Empire? I think I lost track of how many other luchadores who truly knew you called bullshit on that and knew from that alone I couldn't be you.”
“I know!” Luz yelled before sheepishly clearing her throat, trying to calm herself down. “It's just... Amelia is the most beautiful and incredible person I've ever met, probably the best wrestler I've ever known aside from Papá, and she is who she is in spite of all the damage done to her by her parents growing up. She deserves the best wife she could ever ask for... not someone like me...”
“Oh, bebé,” Camila hushed her daughter. “I promise you this is just pre-wedding jitters. I had the same kind of thoughts before I married your father. After all, he was this famous luchador hailed as a hero by everyone around us, and I was just a doctor. And yet, no matter how much I felt I was unworthy of his love, he still gave it to me and asked me to be his wife. He even swore on his mask that HE was unworthy of being MY husband.”
Luz could only blink, the lingering doubts wearing away at her mind refusing to believe such a thing, but then she swore she heard a familiar voice silence them before they could resume their chaotic cacophony.
“It's true, mija. Even I had doubts and second thoughts when I married your mother, but you are the result of our love shining through. Look at you... about to get married to an incredible woman, and then turning right around and joining her in conquering a match you've never taken part in before but refusing to back down from the call of the ring and the honor of everything you stand for... I couldn't be more proud of you, Mi Pequeña Luz.”
“Gracias, papá...” Luz mumbled as she wiped a tear from her eye. Marilyn raised an eyebrow in confusion while Valentina looked stunned. Camila, however, looked at her daughter in awe, knowing exactly what happened and holding her close as she collected herself. Maybe some would say it was a voice in her head, manifesting itself as exactly what she needed to hear in this moment, but they knew better... it was Día de Muertos, after all, and they had welcomed the spirit of El Espíritu Angélico back to the mortal plane for this moment, to watch his daughter get married and then cheer her on as she and her new wife proceeded to tackle arguably the toughest challenge of their careers to date in just two nights' time.
As magical as this moment felt, a knock at the door interrupted it. Marilyn actually looked pretty angry as she stormed over to open it, but she stopped herself from biting off the head of whoever was on the other side before she stepped away and revealed said person to be Avery, who looked pretty handsome in their own right despite everyone knowing a kevlar vest was underneath their suit coat.
“Sorry if I'm interrupting anything,” they admitted, “but everything's all set up and we're just about ready to begin.”
“Any sign of anybody we need to worry about?” Luz couldn't help but ask, grateful for the additional distraction before her nerves flared back up again.
“Not a soul,” Avery confidently replied. “The only people waiting out there right now for you and Amelia are anyone who presented a legitimate invitation, and we've got at least three people stationed at every door and more making very frequent rounds in case anyone thinks they're going to sneak in. This church might have the most airtight perimeter we've ever created.”
“I can just imagine the look on that bozo Caleb's face right now, rotting away in his prison cell and knowing by now that two people he was trying to 'save' with all that 'being gay is a sin' garbage are about to intertwine their lives forever in a house of God,” Marilyn cackled.
While Luz breathed a sigh of relief at the knowledge that everything was looking good and safe so far and would hopefully stay that way, that came with the drawback of her guts squirming in nervousness all over again at the reminder that she was now mere minutes away from the happiest moment of her life.
“You alright, Luz?” Valentina asked, being the first to notice.
“I... my stomach's squirming a bit... I'm trying not to throw up because I'm so nervous...” Luz admitted.
“Sorry,” Avery said, knowing they probably didn't help just when she might've finally been fighting off the nerves.
“Well, you already know your father and I were nervous wrecks on our wedding day,” Camila noted, gently placing a comforting hand on Luz's shoulder. “But one thing I didn't tell you is this: all of those fears, nerves and doubts? They disappeared, just like that, the moment I began walking down the aisle and locked eyes with him waiting for me at the altar. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you and Amelia will be the same way.”
“Cam's right,” Marilyn grinned. “So let's go and get you married!”
Luz felt her lips curling into a grin, the excitement of her loved ones infectious as she found her body moving on autopilot. She stood up, took one last look at herself in the mirror, and then bowed her head so her mother could put her sombrero on her head as she took a deep breath. Avery ushered everyone out of the room, with Valentina rushing off to let Amelia and her bridesmaids know that everything was about to begin. After one final moment of silently reassuring herself, Luz held out her arm, feeling her father's spirit take it as she allowed him to guide her from the room and out towards the altar, mouthing a 'thank you' to Avery as she passed them.
For their part, Avery couldn't help but wipe away a tear, knowing that this young woman and her partner were everything they wished they could be once upon a time. Nothing against their current role working with the FBI, but the thought of not only being a more successful wrestler than they ultimately were, blazing trails for future generations and fellow active competitors alike, but also actually being able to maintain a healthy relationship and marry the love of their life... a familiar flutter of butterflies erupted in their chest, and they pondered if maybe, just maybe, they could convince Luz and Amelia to send their bouquet in a certain direction later to give them the courage to take one more chance with Marilyn...
“Luz just head out?” Evie interrupted Avery's train of thought, startling them as they clearly weren't expecting the smaller NCA agent to sneak up on them like that.
“Yeah, she's heading to the altar now, so the ceremony should be beginning shortly,” Avery affirmed as they cleared their throat and adjusted their suit coat. “I thought you and Darius were watching the chapel entrance?”
“He still is,” Evie clarified, their tone growing a little more frantic, which immediately caught Avery's attention. “He asked me to find you as soon as possible, though... we might have a problem, and he wanted me to relay it to you.”
“...what kind of problem?” Avery asked, their eyes narrowing as their hand instinctively reached for the gun holstered at their hip.
“You were right about the NCA having a mole as well,” Evie growled. “We thoroughly vetted everyone again after we got your message, but whoever was hiding their true colors did a damn good job of hiding in plain sight until it was too late... we got a call from a certain prison back in London we were hoping to never hear.”
“You don't mean...?” Avery's eyes widened, and the tension grew even more palpable when Evie nodded to confirm their fears. They took a moment to steady themself with a calming breath before locking eyes with their friend. “Spread the word to all personnel as quickly and quietly as possible. If this just happened then HE shouldn't be able to show up... but that doesn't mean we should let our guards down for even a second.”
“And the brides?” Evie asked.
“I hate to keep them out of the loop, but it would be for the best,” Avery said grimly. “They deserve to have this day and then be able to focus on their upcoming title defense without any worries. It's the least they're owed at this point...”
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The chapel had been abuzz as guests arrived and were seated, most of the direction being given by the admittedly impressive security detail that had the entire building and beyond thoroughly covered. Some of the guests were aware of why it might be needed, others were in the dark but had been filled in on the way to their seats. Their was almost an otherworldly atmosphere as the chapel had been decorated for Día de Muertos, with various ofrendas lining the walls and smaller ones even positioned in seats to allow for the spirits of the departed to be proper guests for the ceremony. Marigold petals had already been carefully scattered along the floor, serving as a guide for those spirits to find their seats and reunite with their loved ones. Anyone who had never heard of this holiday or were only familiar with some of the more 'American' takes on it that used it as just another excuse to party were in awe of the detail and seriousness that Mexican culture treated and revered their deceased. Even if you didn't believe in the idea of the spirits of the dead coming back to walk the Earth for just one night, it was hard not to appreciate what the thought behind it meant in this culture.
Eventually, with the chapel illuminated by only the various candles lit up all around the space and the light of the moon shining eerily through the stained glass windows, the pianist began to play a lilting tune that silenced any conversations going on. It was nothing like the classic wedding march they were probably used to hearing, but the soothing melody only helped add to the weight of this moment as the doors at the back of the chapel opened. Slowly, they saw the immaculate and ethereal form of La Pequeña Luz begin walking down the aisle, her mother holding one of her arms while the other was outstretched, giving those who knew the impression that her father was also guiding her to the biggest moment of her entire life. Marilyn and Lily followed them part of the way down before they slipped away to take their seats in the front. Luz paused right before the altar, getting final wishes from her mother before she nodded and pulled away, stepping up to stand before the pastor serving as the wedding officiant.
Luz watched as her mom took her seat, making sure the seat next to hers was filled by the memory of her late father. As she smiled and tried to shake off the last of her nerves, Luz's breath caught in her throat when she locked eyes with who was sitting behind her parents. She could tell there was a bit of awkwardness between Selena and Deanna Frost, but once she realized Luz was looking at her, Selena couldn't help but proudly smile and nod to her, completely shelving the proverbial mask she'd been wearing for SCW all year now. Deanna, on the other hand... for as happy and teary-eyed as she already looked even though Luz's bride hadn't walked down the aisle yet, she could see just how much of a toll the woman's evident lack of sleep was taking on her. It genuinely hurt her heart to see her friend looking so rough, and caused a bit of concern to run through her brain about what that might mean regarding SCW. She could wait for all eternity if she had to in order to get her proper U.S. Title clash with a fully healthy and game Deanna, but she had a feeling CHBK and the Board might not be so willing to allow that.
Luz's body started to move to maybe go talk with her, see how she was doing, but then the song changed to the familiar march that everyone knew all too well. Luz's attention briefly flickered to the back doors, seeing Darius, Evie and Avery all smiling at her, before she glanced back to the Frosts. Deanna seemed to pick up on her concern, even in her tired state, and gave her a little nod. It wasn't much, but the message was clear: don't worry about her right now, they could talk about it later. Right now? This was her moment.
That realization had Luz about ready to throw up as her stomach squirmed more than it had all day.
She tried to quietly reassure herself as she watched the wedding procession march down the aisle. Remy, Marilyn's adopted son, led the way as he begged to be the ring-bearer, holding the pillow that contained the pair of elegant gold bands she and Amelia would soon be wearing. The inside of the band had their named and today's date etched into it, an eternal reminder of who they belonged to and when their souls would be united for all eternity, while the outside actually had various Día de Muertos designs etched into it, giving it a distinct appearance that you could tell was uniquely them.
The couple had also long since purchased a pair of soft silicone wedding bands as well to wear when they were actually wrestling so they could continue to flaunt their relationship without breaking any rules, but those would see their debut at Under Attack.
Distracting her brain was working so far as Luz saw Ivy and Henry walking down next, arm-in-arm. She couldn't help but shoot them a knowing grin, which had Henry blushing and Ivy rolling her eyes when they caught it. She and Amelia hadn't been blind to the developing feelings between these two and had gotten a good laugh out of suggesting that their pair off for the procession, but a small part of her was hopeful that she could soon be a part of their wedding party someday. Ivy had been a good friend after she and Amelia had mended their bridges with one another, and she had started taking to seeing Henry as a sort-of brother figure in her life who trusted her with some of the darker aspects of what he had endured being raised by his uncle Caleb to be 'a truly pure soul.'
It made Luz's skin crawl as she hoped with all of her heart that Caleb would just rot and die in prison already so his soul could be claimed by Hell for the rest of time, where it truly belonged despite everything he claimed to be.
As Ivy and Henry separated to their respective side of the altar—Henry joining Luz's side while Ivy stood on what would soon be Amelia's side—she saw the next pair walking down to be Gage and Valentina, who seemed relatively comfortable doing this together even if she didn't get the same romantic vibe from them as she did Ivy and Henry. That was fine with her, though... Gage had been a good friend who's enthusiasm for the wrestling business went a long way in helping her always remember why she took up the honor of being a luchadora in the first place, and Valentina had happily embraced her new family over the course of the past year and truly felt like she had a place to belong finally. Even though she was technically a little older than Luz, Valentina looked up to her and was inspired by the way she lived, and Luz was honored as she nodded to the both of them as they moved to stand beside Henry in her side of the wedding party, knowing that both of Amelia's siblings would be joining Ivy on her side once they accompanied her down.
Which was right now.
Luz felt the butterflies erupt in her stomach once more as she saw Edward and Emily each with their arms looped around one of Amelia's but it was her soon-to-be wife that immediately captured all of Luz's attention. Those butterflies suddenly disappeared, and the sight of how radiant and enchanting Amelia looked in her wedding attire had Luz's mouth going dry as she couldn't help but feel her lips curling into the big, cheesy grin that she knows is her calling card. In her mind, Amelia looked like a goddess, and how the heck she got this lucky felt like a question she couldn't answer but didn't care to go hunting for it.
For her part, Amelia was in the same boat as she locked eyes with Luz waiting for her at the altar. She had no idea how she was still moving down the aisle with her legs feeling like jelly, suspecting that her siblings would literally drag her the rest of the way if they had to, but she could care less. Every last bit of her own nerves and anxiety vanished as she took in Luz's handsome look, fighting back the tears that would ruin her calavera makeup as it truly settled in now that this was real, this was happening, that she and Luz were actually about to get married. Once they finally walked up the steps to the altar, it took every last bit of self-control Amelia had to not just rip herself from the twins' grip and fling herself at Luz.
“Do you give this woman away to marry this woman?” the pastor asked.
“Wait, we have a choice?” Edward couldn't help but reply, getting a bit of a laugh from everyone, even more so as Amelia kicked him in the shin for that comment.
“We'd be honored to,” Emily proceeded to tell him before leaning down to whisper into her sister's ear. “You've got this, sis.”
Amelia numbly nodded as her siblings let go of her arms and moves to stand beside Ivy, the brides turning to face each other as they both mentally ran through probably every word they could use to describe just how amazing the other looked at this moment.
A small wave of chuckles rang out through the crowd of attendees at how deep and obvious their love was for one another, but the brides didn't care, their focus only on each other.
“We are gathered here today,” the pastor began, “on this lovely evening of Día de Muertos, welcoming the spirits of our dearly departed back to the land of the living for this momentous occasion, as they bless and bear witness to the union of Amelia Blythe and La Pequeña Luz.”
The pastor continued to give the traditional wedding ceremony spiel, but Luz and Amelia had since tuned him out, their lovesick gazes locked only on each other as they continued to take in not only how amazing they both looked, but also the weight of this moment. Nothing else seemed to matter to them as the whole world felt like it faded away, leaving just the two of them intertwining their lives and souls for the rest of eternity, and in the presence of one another, that thought no longer seemed as scary. If anything, it only made them wish things could just cut to the part where they said 'I do' and finally made it official.
Well... official in the traditional sense, at least. Thanks to the efforts of their found family, they'd already long since signed and certified their marriage licenses, so the countries of Mexico, England and the United States already legally recognized them as a married couple in case anything did happen today, but they still wanted to go through with this and make it official the right way, recognizing this date as when their lives together as wife and wife would truly begin.
“Ahem... ladies?”
Amelia and Luz snapped out of their loving daze to glance over at the pastor, which earned a bit of laughter from everyone.
“Would you both like to read off the vows you've prepared?” he repeated, and both women went crimson beneath their respective skull-decorated faces at just how much they'd zoned out.
“Lo siento,” Luz apologized to him before turning back to look deep into Amelia's beautiful eyes. “May I?”
“Por favor,” Amelia eagerly replied, her grin infectious as Luz cleared her throat before taking her beloved's hands.
“Amelia,” Luz began, her voice thick with emotion. “If someone had told me growing up that I would be marrying a woman as incredible as you, I would have considered it a fantasy just like any story or show you know I love. I was... weird, for lack of a better term, and no one ever wanted to give me a chance or even believe that I was actually the daughter of a legendary luchador, or at least a 'worthy' daughter to inherit his legacy. But look at me now. Despite all my imperfections, I have family and friends—actual friends—surrounding me who make me feel loved just for being myself, I've built a wrestling legacy all my own and made the name La Pequeña Luz one to be respected and admired, and it's all thanks to you. Maybe I could have gotten one or both of those things without you in my life Ames... but they wouldn't mean as much as they do knowing I have you by my side.
Many years ago, I took a chance on helping this beautiful, incredible girl who is easily one of the best wrestlers I've ever had the honor of knowing, being allowed to see beyond the walls she was forced to put up so I could show her that, yes, I had just caused her to taste defeat for the very first time, but there was so much more to both wrestling and life than just winning. That chance paid off, and now I'm standing here tonight before that same woman, about to tie my soul to hers for all eternity. I love you, Amelia, and I vow to spend every minute of the rest of my life not only proving that to you, but also proving why as long as we have the support of one another, there is no challenge we cannot overcome, be it in wrestling or in life itself. If this is a fantasy come true for me, then you are my happily ever after... and I wouldn't trade that for anything in any world.”
Amelia was struggling to hold back her tears at hearing Luz's sincere words, and many of the guests were either struggling as well or had given up altogether and let the tears flow. There was a beautiful eloquence in the way Luz had made it clear just how much Amelia meant to her, how she had been Luz's personal light through the darkness for the past several years, and Amelia knew that every last word held the raw emotion that proved, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Luz was truly destined to be her soulmate.
Knowing it was her turn now, Amelia opened her mouth to begin, but found no words coming out. She cleared her throat and took a deep breath, feeling Luz gently squeeze her hands both in a show of strength and as an apology for getting her so choked up before her own vows. Amelia couldn't help but smile and shake her head at this woman for being so compassionate no matter the circumstances.
“Luz...” she finally began. “I could stand here for hours and make sure you know just how incredible a woman you truly are, but I'll have the rest of our lives to be able to help you remember that each and every day. Ever since I was born, the only thing I was supposed to be in this world is the next link in the chain of the Blythe family legacy. I was beaten, broken and reforged more times than I care to count by my parents for the sole purpose of being the most perfect wrestler to ever grace the sport, a wrestling machine beyond compare. Who I wanted to be, what I wanted to do with my life... none of that mattered. This was my purpose and I had no say in it.
But then, one day, I cross paths in the ring with this incredible woman, wearing a mask and honoring a legacy left behind for her as well, fighting against all the pressure that came with it. That woman, the same one who stands before me now, came into my life like a force of nature and tore down every wall I was ever made to put up around my mind and my heart... and I was grateful that you had saved me from myself, from what I was becoming. You were everything I didn't know I needed in my life, you helped me take control and decide for myself what path I wanted to take, you made wrestling feel like something I actually wanted to do, to find my own success and leave behind my own legacy. I owe so much to you, Lulu, and I vow to you that I will never stop trying to repay all the kindness you have shown me, kindness that I didn't believe I deserved, because without you taking that chance on me all those years ago... well, the Amelia everyone here knows today probably wouldn't exist, and I don't want to imagine what kind of world that could've been. I just want to create a reality where my future is with you, free from the shackles of being a Blythe once and for all and being able to call myself your wife as we stand together against any challenge that awaits us, whether it be that Chamber Match we have on Sunday or anyone else in SCW or beyond who thinks they can take us down. Because with you by my side, Luz? I feel like I can take on the world... and together, I know we can prevail in that fight.”
Luz wiped tears away from her eyes, her jaw hanging wide open in the biggest smile she'd probably ever worn in her life. If anybody in attendance had held back tears before, they were failing to do so now after having witnessed both women lay their souls bare for one another, affirming just how deep their love ran and how much they meant and wanted to continue to mean to each other.
“That was... perfect...” they both heard Ivy mumble under her breath from behind Amelia.
“The rings, please?” the pastor called, taking a moment to wipe away his own tears as his voice actually cracked a bit after what he'd just heard. Remy, who was just barely holding himself together after the vows, stepped forward and offered up the pillow so Amelia and Luz could each grab the other's ring, carefully slipping them onto each other's fingers before lacing them together.
“Do you, Amelia Blythe, take La Pequeña Luz to be your lawfully wedded wife?” the pastor asked. “Do you promise to love, honor, and cherish her, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” Amelia firmly stated.
“And do you, La Pequeña Luz, take Amelia to be your lawfully wedded wife?” he repeated for Luz now. “Do you promise to love, honor, and cherish her, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?”
“You bet I do!” Luz called, earning a few more laughs from those in attendance.
“Now...” the pastor said, a thick tension suddenly settling into the air as he looked past the couple and out to every guest seated before them. “If there is anybody who objects to this union, speak now... or forever, hold your peace.”
Almost immediately, everyone watched as every member of the expansive security detail slowly moved their hands to the guns they possessed, including several who were seated among the crowd that the guests were now realizing were strategically placed plain clothes officers. Every one of them was looking around, almost expecting something to happen, someone to stand up and actually object to this. After a few moments of tension, however, the pastor nodded and resumed, calming the atmosphere a little bit, although every agent and officer lining the walls kept their guards up, just in case.
“Then, by the power vested in me, it is my esteemed honor to declare you, La Pequeña Luz and Amelia
Nevado,” the pastor spoke, emphasizing Amelia's new name to truly drive home just how real and final this all was now, “officially married. You may now-”
He never got the chance to finish, as Luz and Amelia refused to wait any longer, embracing one another in easily the most important kiss they would ever share in their lives, the one that finalized their bond and the next step they were taking in their journey together. The kiss was filled with every last bit of love and passion they had to share as everyone around them cheered and laughed like there was no tomorrow, every one of them showing just how proud they were of the two women in this moment. When the newly married couple finally separated, they were both grinning like idiots at one another.
“I love you,” Amelia managed to choke out once she'd regained her breath.
“I love you too... Mrs. Nevado,” Luz grinned, causing Amelia to get all choked up again at the reminder of how much she was finally free to completely move on from all the pain she'd endured growing up, just to fight her way to this moment.
It was at this point that the two of them wrapped their arms around one another, holding each other close as they walked back down the aisle towards the doors exiting the chapel. They saw their respective wedding parties with tears in their eyes, applauding like their lives depended on it. They saw Marilyn and Lily trying to fight back tears while the former was comforting Camila, whose was bawling like a baby without shame as she cradled her late husband's portrait to her chest. A glance towards the back showed Avery, Darius and Evie grinning and applauding as well, although they still kept their guards up, just in case. They even glanced over and met the great big smiles of Selena and Deanna, who weren't bothering to hide the tears they were shedding nor how proud they were for their friends, ignoring anything to do with SCW because that wouldn't be a concern for two more nights.
For tonight, Luz and Amelia were more than happy to keep moving forward towards the bright future they had spent so long fighting for and would continue to fight for whether it was inside the ring or not. It had been a long time coming, but they had finally earned their happy ending together...
And nothing—not the remnants of The Empire, not anybody they would face in the Chamber at Under Attack, not anyone else who had any sort of issue with them for any reason—would take this happy ending from them.
Not without a fight unlike anything they've ever experienced before.