Chapter 12 Reunited at last

The Land of the Dead was grim and dull in tone, but the afterlife that resided in this underworld made it seem full of color. 


Today especially, was to be one filled with a color of bliss, of joy and commitment. 


After donning a newly managed suit, young, now undead (Y/n) had it all perfectly ready. Leaving the tailor shop that Jessica crafted and procured the suit for (Y/n); he was now prepared to be wed to someone he never expected to marry. 


But one, he was wholeheartedly excited to marry. 


Emily.


The Corpse Bride.


Head held up high, young (Y/n) made his way back to the church to see if Emily was nearly done. She hasn't seen (Y/n) in his new suit yet, so (Y/n) hopefully wishes that she will enjoy it. When entering the church, already (Y/n) saw that it was being filled with an assortment of people he has never seen before. Ranging from skeletons where it's near impossible to tell who they were when they were alive due to their removal of skin. Along with other  people who shared a similar appearance of blue lifeless skin like (Y/n). 


Closing the doors behind him, it emitted a faint sound, but enough of a sound that the entire occupancy within the church could hear. Turning their heads, they finally got to witness the groom that was to wed Emily. 


(Y/n) felt their gaunt expressionless eyes lay on him. A silent moment was exchanged, for not a single utter or word was said. The quiet church was ambient with the sounds of the wind that blew in threw the shattered windows. It all changed though, when finally a slim figure stood up and made their way towards (Y/n). 


This figure, who had the appearance of a man, wearing a dark gray tattered suit, coated in dust like he hasn't changed it ever since he arrived here in the Land of the Dead, finally approached and stood still right in front of (Y/n). 


The man was tall, a bit taller than (Y/n) in fact. (Y/n) was able to get a better look at this stranger, seeing a man with a stern expression and a very wrinkled face. His skin was blue like (Y/n)'s, though a bit duller in color, and his hair was gray in color, a bit receding but what really made him stand out was that his hands were skeletal. It made him appear even more intimidating as he silently stood there. 


Suddenly, he extended his boney hand out, reaching for (Y/n)'s face. 


Young (Y/n) was unsure as if to move away from his touch, or to let it happen. Something about this man seeped it's way into (Y/n)'s dead heart, that this man meant no harm. 


The man trickled his cold skeletal hand along (Y/n)'s cheeks, turning his head left and right gently to get a better look at the groom. 


A smile was formed upon the stranger's face, finally after moments of intense silent observation. This made (Y/n) feel so relieved, so much so that he smiled too.


Emily's Father: "Haha. A good looking and sturdy young man. Everyone, this is the boy that will wed my daughter!"


His voice rang out in an echo in the church, making everyone stand up from their pews and against the wall to come forth and congratulate the young (Y/n). 


It turns out that this man that (Y/n) found so intimidating and strange was actually Emily's father. 


Emily's Father: "Welcome to the family son."


As the other occupants in the church began to surround both (Y/n) and Emily's father, he soon embraced (Y/n) in a tight and robust hug. This caught (Y/n) off guard, but knowing that this was Emily's father instead of just some random stranger, he returned the hug. After a bit, they both let go and young (Y/n) felt pats on his back and sudden and unexpected handshakes from all sorts of folks, most he assumed were friends and family of Emily. 


Emily's Father: "It is good to meet you young man, (Y/n) is it? I'm Harold, please, come come, I want you to meet my wife. She too is wanting to see who will marry her daughter."


(Y/n): "It's an honor sir, but is Emily here?"


Emily's Father: "Oh she's in the back or somewhere getting ready for her big day, now come."


As they both made their way to the front of the church, (Y/n) was met along his way with smiles and "congratulations", a much different and welcomed feeling than when he entered the church.


Along his walk with Emily's father, it all started to become fuzzy. The noises and joyed reactions of seeing the groom he heard and saw, became blurry. This was really happening. (Y/n) was to wed, someone who he cared deeply for. Someone who he never imagined would be his bride. He was prepared and eager to finally make her his bride. 


As Emily's father guided him through the crowd of happy spectators, he knew that (Y/n)'s smile showed it all. That he was truly in love with his daughter, that he was perfect for her. Unlike the previous deviant that broke her poor heart and brought her here too.


Emily's Father: "Margaret, this is (Y/n), our soon to be son in law."


Snapping out of his reverie, (Y/n) focused his attention on the slender woman that was before him. She was decayed, much like Emily. What made (Y/n) smile most about looking at Emily's mother, was how much of a striking resemblance she shared with her daughter. It was obvious where Emily got her looks from. 


Emily's Mother: "Oh my dear... you must be (Y/n)..."


Her voice was gentle yet a little raspy.


(Y/n): "Ma'am, that I am. I'm happy to meet you."


Emily's Father: "Isn't he handsome? Reminds me of myself when I first met you."


Emily's Mother: "It's like looking at the past Harry... Emily speaks so fondly of you. She is so overjoyed to marry you." 


(Y/n): "I feel nothing less of the same. For your daughter has changed me drastically."


Emily's Father: "That's our Emily."


The parents both held close to each other after saying this. 


Their embrace made (Y/n) see what the future looks like. What he saw, in Harold and Margaret, is what he and Emily will be. Though, before of their dead status, they at least won't have to worry about getting older or having to say goodbye, ever.


(Y/n): "I'm blessed to become your daughter's husband. It has always been a hope of mine to wed someone I care extremely about. I can assure you, that this marriage and beyond will be full of bliss and love."


Emily's Mother: "We trust and have faith in you (Y/n), for the short time we've gotten to speak to Emily before she went on to change, she has held you in such high regard."


Emily's Father: "That's right. She has never acted like this with anyone, not even her... last partner."


Emily's Mother: "Oh don't you dare start with him. (Y/n) doesn't need to hear about him."


(Y/n): "You are referring to Barkis, right?"


Emily's Father: "Oh, so Emily did tell you? Good riddance to that urchin, thankfully we haven't seen him down here yet. Hopefully they skipped him the Land of the Dead and sent him straight to Hell."


Emily's Mother: "Harry!"


Emily's Father: "What? You know I'm right."


The mother simply rolled her eyes but did giggle a bit at her own husband's quip. Young (Y/n) could tell that they shared a similar dislike to the murderer of their daughter, but of course, the reasoning was completely justifiable. 


(Y/n): "I can promise you that I am nothing like him, nor will ever even think of hurting Emily."


Emily's Father: "Ah don't worry about that, we trust and have you in high hopes without any doubts. Besides, we're all dead. Unlike that rat Barkis when he was alive, you have nothing to gain for hurting Emily when you're dead like us folks."


Emily's Mother: "Harry here does have a point, we both know you are perfect for our daughter. We never trusted that Barkis Bittern to begin with, what Emily saw in him was foolish. But she has learned and now is acting with her mind and her heart both. Which is why you have our blessing to marry our daughter."


Emily's Father: "That's right son, you are allowed to take our Emily and make her the happiest woman in the world. Today, and everyday forward."


Young (Y/n) was thrilled that he was to obtain Emily's parent's blessings so easily. He couldn't help but to rush forward and wrap his arms around the both of them in a hug.


Emily's Father: "Haha, now now, don't get that fancy suit of yours all dirty hugging us ragged old folk. Keep it clean for Emily."


(Y/n): "Yes sir!"


Emily's Father: "Now now, your our son in law, you can call me dad."


???: "Hey now, that's what he calls me."


A voice was heard from behind (Y/n), a voice he knows, a voice he's heard before. When he was younger, when he was not alone. 


(Y/n)'s pupils dilated, his mouth opened slightly, and his hands trembled at the voice that intruded his ears. He stared at Emily's father smiling smugly in front of him, and then he finally softly and slowly turned his feet to face where the voice came from. 


(Y/n): "Dad..."


Indeed, the man that called out to (Y/n) and Emily's father was young (Y/n)'s father. 


(Father's name)


(Y/n)'s Father: "(Y/n), my how you've grown..."


Without any other spoken words, (Y/n) ran towards his father, quickly hugging him which he expected. With open arms, he welcomed (Y/n)'s embrace. Something that hasn't been done in years. Tears wanted to be shed, but they both couldn't cry anymore as long as they were undead. But their actions alone spoke volumes for how they both felt in this very moment. 


A father and son reunited. 


Emily's Father: "We'll let you two be, I'm so happy for you and Emily. Be well."


With that said, Emily's parents made their way elsewhere, leaving (Y/n) to be with his own father. Something (Y/n) had been so eager to do, and now that fantasy, has come true. 


(Y/n)'s Father: "My son, it has been years. I did not expect you to arrive here at such a young age."


(Y/n): "Dad, I missed you so much!"


(Y/n)'s Father: "The years without you have been somber, empty. And now look at you, the moment we reunite and you're to be wed. Well I can tell you right now son that we saw Emily and we couldn't be any more happier for you. Your mother has never been so excited, and speaking of her... Your mother has been waiting for this moment to see you again."


(Y/n): "Mom... is she here?"


(Y/n)'s Father: "She is, let us go see her."


Without further a do, young (Y/n) and his father went forth to find her. The last time (Y/n) saw her along with his father was when they both went out before that dreadful day, when their lives were taken. If his heart was still beating, it would be out of control. For (Y/n) was a bit concerned as to how his mother would react to seeing him die at such a young age. The last time he did see his parents, he was only thirteen. A child going into his teenage years, only a mere couple of years have passed since. Putting it out of his mind, his focus was seeing someone he missed tremendously every single day since her demise. 


(Y/n): "My mom...."


A few feet away was young (Y/n)'s mother, conversing with another woman. 


(Y/n)'s father saw the shocked yet gleeful expression present on (Y/n)'s face. He knew as a father that his son was a bit nervous of meeting his mother after so long. Which is why he spared the reluctance and nerves by intruding during (Y/n)'s exchange with Emily's father, as to not let him suffer the goosebumps of making first contact with his parents.


(Y/n)'s Father: "(Mother's name)! Look who finally showed up."


(Y/n)'s mother turned her head and immediately cupped her mouth when she saw her son, all grown up, skin blue and eyes gaunt. She departed herself from the conversation with the woman she was speaking to, which the woman wholeheartedly understood why, and went up to (Y/n), to meet her son that she was taken away from all those years ago.


(Y/n)'s Mother: "(Y/n).... my boy....."


(Y/n): "Mom."


She wrapped her arms around (Y/n)'s neck, embracing him in a hug like she has never done before to her son. She wished she was able to cry because this moment alone was enough to make her weep for joy that she finally met her baby boy once again. 


(Y/n)'s Mother: "Look at my boy, so neatly dressed and so handsome all grown. It's been so long, b-but not long enough, look at you. You're still a kid, about twenty or so, why are you here so soon?"


(Y/n): "Well, there's this disease that came around. It's called tuberculosis and... I unfortunately got it."


(Y/n)'s Mother: "Oh that's awful, my poor baby must have suffered so much. A lot of people down here met the same fate with that tragic illness."


(Y/n)'s Father: "Yeah, in fact a lot of people here caught that tuberculosis. Bad business it is."


(Y/n): "It was quite painful."


(Y/n)'s Mother: "Oh no more about that, as long as you're not in agony any more, that's all that matters."


(Y/n): "On the brightside, I did meet my future bride. She alone helped me nearly forget about my sickness. Well, a lot of it at least."


(Y/n)'s Mother: "Oh young Emily is so beautiful (Y/n)... I'm so proud of you. We both are."


(Y/n)'s Father: "Now we can all go up together now that we're here."


(Y/n): "Up? Up where?"


(Y/n)'s Mother: "To Heaven sweetie, the Land of the Dead is a stop for those who have passed."


(Y/n)'s Father: "Until they finally reach peace. When they do, they go to Heaven. And now that you're here, our family is complete, which means we are at peace."


(Y/n): "But we're still here..."


(Y/n)'s Mother: "We know, we at first thought that's what it was that would let us ascend to Heaven, but now we both realized it wasn't you being reunited with us."


(Y/n)'s Father: "She's right, it was all along, seeing you find happiness. Which is you getting married with Emily." 


All this was so much for (Y/n), for he wasn't aware that this grim underworld was just a housing for the undead souls until they achieved true peace before they would move on. The question popped in his head though.


Would marrying Emily truly make him and his family enter peace and enter Heaven?


(Y/n): "What if.... what if marrying Emily doesn't do it...."


(Y/n)'s Mother: "(Y/n)... do not doubt her. I know that it will. When I met your father, he was such a young man, and yet he came in and swooped my little heart off it's feet. When I married him, it was the second best day of my entire life. It changed me. I know you marrying this beautiful young woman will change you too. Make you at peace, like it will with us, seeing our little boy finally be happy."


She told (Y/n) this as she placed her hands on his shoulders, reaffirming him that wedding the woman of his dreams does indeed showcase a changing of a leaf. All of his inner worries and doubts were erased with hearing his mother's soothing voice he missed, assure him that he has nothing to worry about.


(Y/n): "Thank you mom.... but what was the first?"


(Y/n)'s Mother: "The first?"


(Y/n): "You said that marrying dad was the second best day of your life. What was your first?"


(Y/n)'s Mother: "It isn't obvious? The day you were born."


Young undead (Y/n) missed his mother's touch, her voice, her everything. Now he was united with what he lost at such a young age. This revelation of Heaven did change a lot in his mind, but he knew his mother knew best. Importantly, he trusted that marrying Emily would grant him peace. Soon, he, his parents, and Emily and her family will all live happily in their afterlives in Heaven. 


Without any other words, he yet again embraced them both, nuzzling his head into their shoulders. Relieved and content with finally seeing his parents, and on this, the happiest day of his life/afterlife. Nothing could ruin his true happiness. 


(Y/n): "I love you, both of you so much."


(Y/n)'s Mother and Father: "We love you (Y/n)."


Knowing that he wouldn't have to worry about ever losing his parents again, he held onto this hug for minutes, an embrace his parents didn't grow tired of. 


Their long awaited reconnect was halted when Elder Gutknecht made his presence known to the family. He cleared his voice to gather their attention. 


Elder Gutknecht: "I hope I am not posing any intrusion, but (Y/n), Emily awaits for you to meet her. She is now donned in her beautiful dress."


Turning to face the Elder, (Y/n) smiled down at him and nodded before turning to his parents.


(Y/n)'s Mother: "Go and see your future bride dear, we will be watching and soon, all of us will go up, together."


(Y/n): "Yes mom. Dad."


Nodding over to his mother and father, he turned back to face Elder Gutknecht.


(Y/n): "Okay Elder Gutknecht, take me to her."


Elder Gutknecht: "With pleasure young man, come."


As they walked to the back where Emily was waiting, (Y/n) turned his head during his walk to face his parents again. He saw them with beaming smiles, happy that their little boy was all grown up, ready to wed. 


The time was drawing near.


To marry the woman he held dear.


Emily and (Y/n) were to wed.


In this, the land of the dead.


So he went to meet his bride.


That filled him with joy inside.





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