A/N: Welcome to Here Comes the Bride! I'm pulling heavily from the Platinum game's plot for this, with a heavy dose of Pokeverse headcanons, and wiggling away from game mechanics. It's not quite a Nuzlocke, but will follow the setup of possible death and injury. I'll do my best to explain things clearly when they're different, but you can always ask questions!
Lake Verity looked a picture: the perfect wedding venue. Archways covered in fragrant white flower garland and accents of lace, marking the bride's path-to-be. Small bouquets of mint and fragrant herbs were tied to the multitude of guest seats, cutting the floral scent, and each seat covered in a swath of fabric the color of magnolia blossoms. The same magnolia blossom fabric cut between the two large grouping of chairs, following under the arch pathway. Fresh flower petals were already scattered along its length.
The venue was nearly empty, save for several dark-coated members of the staff making their final preparations. Tablecloths were adjusted, centerpieces laid out, and refreshments arranged. Jugs of blackberry sweet tea and peach lemonade topped off with ice. Several wild Starly landed nearby, pecking idly before they were startled away by a Vulpix in a bowtie. The small fox made a noise, like loud laughter, before winding his way between an unsuspecting waiter's foot and scampering off.
He came to a stop at the lake's edge, standing next to the bride. Her sunny blonde hair was done up with flowers and delicate pearls, loose curls falling about her face. Her dress was accented with lace and a magnolia colored sash, gloved hands lifting the hem above the grass line.
"Daye," the bride smiled, carefully kneeling down to scratch the Vulpix behind the ears. "Leave the poor birds alone."
Daye swished his many tails, looking as if that was a thing he was not going to do.
"Heehee," grinned the fox, showing teeth. Daye ducked past the bride's fingers, briefly arching like a feline, before scampering off under the refreshment table. The sound of footsteps on the grass, much more sedate than the hurrying staff, kept the bride from following her wayward Pokemon. She stood, turning to face the newcomer with a swish of her dress.
Approaching was an older man, his white hair and full beard neatly groomed, face stern but with a subtle kindness to his eyes. He would have been dressed for the occasion, if not for the pristine lab coat folded over his arm. Beside him stood a lanky teenager, his red hat tucked under an arm. The boy's dark hair was standing up in odd directions, indicating he had just pulled the hat from his head. His back was straight but his tie was cooked, as if he had been tugging at it until recently. In his hands he carried a large briefcase and the older man's forgotten cane.
"Professor Rowan," the bride smiled. "Thank you so much for coming. And…" She paused, turning her attention to Rowan's young aide. "I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with your assistant."
The boy jolted, color creeping up his neck. "L-Lucas, ma'am." He moved as if to shake her hand, nearly dropping the items in his hand. Professor Rowan cleared his throat and the boy gave up his attempts. "Congratulations on your wedding, Miss De La Roux."
The blonde woman's smile faltered for the briefest of moments, quickly returning with sparkling intensity. Lucas felt his neck grow hot. "Please, feel free to call me Whiskey."
The aide blinked slowly, eyebrows scrunching. "Whiskey..?"
"Miss De La Roux," Rowan began, speaking over his assistant's confusion. "Augustine sends his regards and apologies for not being able to attend."
Whiskey giggled, raising a gloved hand to cover her pink lips. "I didn't expect him to fly in all the way from Kalos. I understand he's busy. As are you, it seems. Can you not stay for the ceremony?"
"Hm," for a long moment Rowan said nothing. Then he sighed, the slight dip of his shoulders the only indication of the gesture, and carefully took the bride's fingers in his own. "You know my feelings on this arrangement, my dear."
This time the blonde's smile did falter, completely falling away. "Professor, I-"
"Your choices, my dear, should be your own."
Lucas looked between his mentor and the bride, his confusion evident now. "Er..? Excuse me, but-"
"Thank you, Professor." Whiskey's back straightened as she gently returned her finger's from Rowan's own. Her smile had returned, though not as bright as it had been. "Your concern is appreciated."
Rowan nodded, turning away from the bride. "Come along, Lucas, my boy. Sandgem awaits."
"Professor, your cane!" The boy nodded once to the blonde before turning on his heel.
Whiskey smiled again as the boy hurried after his mentor, nearly tripping once. Carefully gathering her dress in her hands she turned back to the lake. Sunlight danced across the water's surface, small ripples forming as the fish Pokemon breached the surface. "Choices, is it?"
